Donna, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,833
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,438/yr
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,865
-1.0% year-over-year change

Donna population

How many people live in Donna

Donna is home to 16,833 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Donna locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
16,833
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
8,319
Female
50.6%
8,514
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,319 49.4% 5.6%
Female 8,514 50.6% -4.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Donna is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 34.1% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 16.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
34.1%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
16.4%
Over 65
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,738 34.1% 10.7%
15 to 24 2,011 12% -21.0%
25 to 44 3,881 23.1% 7.8%
45 to 64 2,769 16.4% -0.7%
Over 65 2,434 14.5% -8.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Donna, 81.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.9% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 46.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,657 81.1% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 672 4% -15.8%
Non-citizens 2,504 14.9% 11.5%
Racial breakdown
White
45%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
46.3%
Other
8.6%
Value Percent
White 7,572 45%
Black or African American 20 0.1%
Asian 4 0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0%
Two or more races 7,790 46.3%
Other 1,439 8.6%

Households in Donna

A peek inside Donna households

Donna has 4,924 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.2% are families, while the remaining 24.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,924
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,220
Family households
3,704
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,220 24.8% -10.6%
Family households 3,704 75.2% 1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Donna

The housing landscape of Donna

Donna's housing consists of 5,865 units, with 61% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 17.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,865
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,575 61%
1 unit, attached 27 0.5%
2 units 265 4.5%
3 or 4 units 407 6.9%
5 to 9 units 209 3.6%
10 to 19 units 191 3.3%
20 to 49 units 42 0.7%
50 or more units 56 1%
Mobile home 1,051 17.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 42 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
171
434.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Donna

In Donna, the median construction year is 1989. About 1.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 76 1.3% 76.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 203 3.5% -22.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 389 6.6% 8.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 510 8.7% -16.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 706 12% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,169 19.9% -4.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 973 16.6% -5.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,016 17.3% -4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 652 11.1% 11.3%
Built in 2020 or later 171 2.9% 434.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Donna occupancy rates

Out of the 4,924 occupied housing units in Donna, 57.5% are owner-occupied, while 42.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,924
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,092
Owner occupied
2,832
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,092 42.5% -0.4%
Owner occupied 2,832 57.5% -3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
16.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Donna housing costs

Housing costs in Donna come to a median of $704 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $806.

Median housing costs per month
$704/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Donna
$806/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Donna

Donna education at a glance

About 44.1% of the population in Donna went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 3.4% earned an associate degree and 8.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,924 18.7% -7.0%
High school diploma 4,529 44.1% 3.5%
College diploma 2,131 20.8% -17.1%
Associate degree 345 3.4% -19.2%
Bachelor's degree 915 8.9% 31.6%
Graduate degree 426 4.2% -2.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Donna

How much people earn in Donna

The average annual household income in Donna was $53,776 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,438, reflecting a +6.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Donna
$53,776/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Donna
$40,438/year
6.2% year-over-year change

Donna income by age

In Donna, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,578. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $40,672 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,450, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,792 in earnings. Overall, 59.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,450 -31.1%
25 - 44 $40,578 -2.4%
45 - 64 $40,672 10.9%
Over 65 $40,792 26.6%
Above poverty level
9,700
Below poverty level
6,661
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,700 59.3% 0.1%
Below poverty level 6,661 40.7% -0.1%

Average renter income in Donna

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Donna, their median household income was $17,713 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 54.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$17,713
Rent-to-income ratio
54.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Donna

Workforce and job types in Donna

The job market in Donna is powered by 5,368 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.8% run their own businesses, 64% are employed by private companies, and 20.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,368
2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
3,673
Blue collar
1,695
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,673 68.4% 0.2%
Blue collar 1,695 31.6% 8.4%
Employer type
Self employees
11.8%
Private companies
64%
Governmental workers
20.2%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 632 11.8% 2.3%
Private companies 3,433 64% -3.0%
Governmental workers 1,082 20.2% 26.7%
Not for profit companies 221 4.1% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
19.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Donna stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Donna

How people get around in Donna

Commuting methods vary: 90.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,760 90.3% 2.2%
Bus or trolleybus 21 0.4% 23.5%
Walk 29 0.6% 26.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Donna by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78537 51,426 13,909 $40,668 $55,522

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FAQs about Donna demographics 

What is the total population of Donna?

Donna has a total population of 16,833 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Donna?

The gender ratio in Donna is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (8,319 residents)
  • 50.6% females (8,514 residents)

What is the median age in Donna?

The median age in Donna is 28.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Donna?

The age distribution in Donna is as follows:
  • Under 15: 34.1% (5,738 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (2,011 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (3,881 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.4% (2,769 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.5% (2,434 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Donna?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Donna is as follows:
  • White: 45% (7,572 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (20 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 46.3% (7,790 residents)
  • Other: 8.6% (1,439 residents)

What percentage of the population in Donna are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.1% of the population in Donna.

How many housing units are there in Donna?

There are 5,865 housing units in Donna, reflecting a -1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Donna and what is the average household size?

Donna has a total of 4,924 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Donna?

Donna has a median household income of $40,438, representing a +6.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Donna?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Donna, with a workforce of 5,368 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.4% (3,673 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.6% (1,695 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.8% (632 residents)
  • Private companies: 64% (3,433 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.2% (1,082 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (221 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025