Gaines County, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
22,232
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,132/yr
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,719
0.8% year-over-year change

Gaines County population

How many people live in Gaines County

Gaines County is home to 22,232 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Gaines County locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
22,232
1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
11,287
Female
49.2%
10,945
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,287 50.8% -0.1%
Female 10,945 49.2% 3.2%
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 Gaines County is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 29.5% are children under 15, then 17.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
29.5%
15 to 24
17.5%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,555 29.5% 1.1%
15 to 24 3,884 17.5% 7.0%
25 to 44 5,114 23% 1.4%
45 to 64 4,528 20.4% -3.4%
Over 65 2,151 9.7% 4.3%
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 Gaines County, 69.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 21.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.2% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 21.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.9%
Non-citizens
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,544 69.9% -4.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,970 8.9% 4.1%
Non-citizens 4,718 21.2% 23.8%
Racial breakdown
White
70.2%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
21.8%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 15,601 70.2%
Black or African American 460 2.1%
Asian 124 0.6%
Two or more races 4,836 21.8%
Other 1,211 5.4%

Households in Gaines County

A peek inside Gaines County households

Gaines County has 6,929 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74% are families, while the remaining 26% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,929
-1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,800
Family households
5,129
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,800 26% 9.3%
Family households 5,129 74% -5.2%
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 Gaines County

The housing landscape of Gaines County

Gaines County's housing consists of 7,719 units, with 66.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 24.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,719
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,108 66.2%
1 unit, attached 19 0.2%
2 units 225 2.9%
3 or 4 units 173 2.2%
5 to 9 units 168 2.2%
20 to 49 units 58 0.8%
Mobile home 1,915 24.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 53 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
176
79.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gaines County

In Gaines County, the median construction year is 1986. About 4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 310 4% -14.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 179 2.3% -31.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 670 8.7% 26.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,165 15.1% -6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 466 6% -23.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,693 21.9% 2.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,079 14% 11.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 736 9.5% 18.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,245 16.1% -5.5%
Built in 2020 or later 176 2.3% 79.6%
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.

Gaines County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,929 occupied housing units in Gaines County, 74.6% are owner-occupied, while 25.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,929
-1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,758
Owner occupied
5,171
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,758 25.4% 6.5%
Owner occupied 5,171 74.6% -4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
10.2%
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.

Gaines County housing costs

Housing costs in Gaines County come to a median of $843 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $789.

Median housing costs per month
$843/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 Gaines County
$789/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 Gaines County

Gaines County education at a glance

About 39.6% of the population in Gaines County went to high school, while 13.5% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 8.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,670 32.7% 4.5%
High school diploma 5,650 39.6% -4.4%
College diploma 1,927 13.5% -3.8%
Associate degree 613 4.3% -17.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,165 8.2% 47.7%
Graduate degree 246 1.7% 50.0%
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 Gaines County

How much people earn in Gaines County

The average annual household income in Gaines County was $95,123 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,132, reflecting a -3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gaines County
$95,123/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gaines County
$74,132/year
-3.2% year-over-year change

Gaines County income by age

In Gaines County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,934. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,742 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,156, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $29,942 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,156 54.4%
25 - 44 $78,934 -14.2%
45 - 64 $96,742 -8.7%
Over 65 $29,942 8.0%
Above poverty level
20,174
Below poverty level
1,506
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,174 93% 1.6%
Below poverty level 1,506 7% -6.0%

Employment in Gaines County

Workforce and job types in Gaines County

The job market in Gaines County is powered by 9,100 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.9% run their own businesses, 65% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,100
3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
4,989
Blue collar
4,111
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,989 54.8% 1.3%
Blue collar 4,111 45.2% 5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
20.9%
Private companies
65%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,899 20.9% 2.5%
Private companies 5,910 65% 4.5%
Governmental workers 1,052 11.6% -1.9%
Not for profit companies 239 2.6% -4.8%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
15.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gaines County stands at 2.4%, 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 Gaines County

How people get around in Gaines County

Commuting methods vary: 93.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 8,288 93.5% 6.3%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 10 0.1% -9.1%
Bicycle 12 0.1% -25.0%
Walk 102 1.2% -48.2%
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 Gaines County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
79323 7,485 2,285 $87,321 $104,021
79331 11,711 3,888 $54,000 $76,718
79342 249 94 $73,750 $98,610
79359 3,294 1,143 $53,048 $85,898
79360 17,342 5,380 $79,467 $97,278

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FAQs about Gaines County demographics 

What is the total population of Gaines County?

Gaines County has a total population of 22,232 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 +1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gaines County?

The gender ratio in Gaines County is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (11,287 residents)
  • 49.2% females (10,945 residents)

What is the median age in Gaines County?

The median age in Gaines County is 29.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gaines County?

The age distribution in Gaines County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 29.5% (6,555 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.5% (3,884 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (5,114 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (4,528 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.7% (2,151 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gaines County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaines County is as follows:
  • White: 70.2% (15,601 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (460 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (124 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.8% (4,836 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (1,211 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.9% of the population in Gaines County.

How many housing units are there in Gaines County?

There are 7,719 housing units in Gaines County, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gaines County has a total of 6,929 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gaines County?

Gaines County has a median household income of $74,132, representing a -3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Gaines County?

The employment rate is 97.6% in Gaines County, with a workforce of 9,100 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.8% (4,989 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.2% (4,111 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.9% (1,899 residents)
  • Private companies: 65% (5,910 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (1,052 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.6% (239 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