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

Total population
358,990
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,105/yr
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
161,868
1.6% year-over-year change

Galveston County population

How many people live in Galveston County

Galveston County is home to 358,990 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Galveston County locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
358,990
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
177,108
Female
50.7%
181,882
Value Percent YoY change
Male 177,108 49.3% 1.2%
Female 181,882 50.7% 1.2%
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 Galveston County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.6% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
26.6%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 69,017 19.2% -0.4%
15 to 24 45,519 12.7% 1.5%
25 to 44 95,557 26.6% 1.5%
45 to 64 92,293 25.7% 0.2%
Over 65 56,604 15.8% 4.2%
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 Galveston County, 88.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.3% of locals are Caucasian, 12.3% are African American and 3.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.8%
Non-citizens
5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 316,375 88.1% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24,539 6.8% 0.9%
Non-citizens 18,076 5% 0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
60.3%
Black or African American
12.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
18.4%
Other
5%
Value Percent
White 216,591 60.3%
Black or African American 44,109 12.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,950 0.5%
Asian 12,211 3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 297 0.1%
Two or more races 65,884 18.4%
Other 17,948 5%

Households in Galveston County

A peek inside Galveston County households

Galveston County has 140,660 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.1% are families, while the remaining 32.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
140,660
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
46,229
Family households
94,431
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 46,229 32.9% 4.4%
Family households 94,431 67.1% 0.0%
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 Galveston County

The housing landscape of Galveston County

Galveston County's housing consists of 161,868 units, with 71.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% 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 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
161,868
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 115,902 71.6%
1 unit, attached 2,898 1.8%
2 units 2,365 1.5%
3 or 4 units 4,681 2.9%
5 to 9 units 5,511 3.4%
10 to 19 units 8,420 5.2%
20 to 49 units 4,187 2.6%
50 or more units 11,143 6.9%
Mobile home 6,035 3.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 726 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
4,326
73.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Galveston County

In Galveston County, the median construction year is 1990. About 5.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 17.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8,455 5.2% 1.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,206 2% -9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8,425 5.2% -4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15,602 9.6% 0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 22,884 14.1% -2.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 22,069 13.6% 1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19,073 11.8% -2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 30,122 18.6% -0.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27,706 17.1% 8.0%
Built in 2020 or later 4,326 2.7% 73.4%
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.

Galveston County occupancy rates

Out of the 140,660 occupied housing units in Galveston County, 67.6% are owner-occupied, while 32.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
140,660
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
45,522
Owner occupied
95,138
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 45,522 32.4% 1.0%
Owner occupied 95,138 67.6% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
13.1%
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.

Galveston County housing costs

Housing costs in Galveston County come to a median of $1,489 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,404.

Median housing costs per month
$1,489/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 Galveston County
$1,404/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 Galveston County

Galveston County education at a glance

About 30.2% of the population in Galveston County went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 21.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,867 4% 1.4%
High school diploma 82,960 30.2% 0.0%
College diploma 65,304 23.8% -1.1%
Associate degree 26,570 9.7% 6.4%
Bachelor's degree 59,750 21.8% 3.5%
Graduate degree 28,855 10.5% 4.2%
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 Galveston County

How much people earn in Galveston County

The average annual household income in Galveston County was $114,254 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,105, reflecting a +0.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Galveston County
$114,254/year
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Galveston County
$86,105/year
0.9% year-over-year change

Galveston County income by age

In Galveston County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,368. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,487 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,273, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,920 in earnings. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,273 6.2%
25 - 44 $92,368 1.8%
45 - 64 $108,487 2.3%
Over 65 $59,920 -3.9%
Above poverty level
308,920
Below poverty level
40,715
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 308,920 88.4% 0.5%
Below poverty level 40,715 11.6% 6.1%

Employment in Galveston County

Workforce and job types in Galveston County

The job market in Galveston County is powered by 170,117 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 65.8% are employed by private companies, and 17.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
170,117
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
136,070
Blue collar
34,047
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 136,070 80% 0.8%
Blue collar 34,047 20% 1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
65.8%
Governmental workers
17.9%
Not for profit companies
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 15,886 9.3% 5.2%
Private companies 111,981 65.8% 0.5%
Governmental workers 30,473 17.9% -3.2%
Not for profit companies 11,777 6.9% 10.2%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
3.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Galveston County stands at 5.7%, 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 Galveston County

How people get around in Galveston County

In Galveston County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 142,121 84.6% -0.4%
Taxicab 415 0.2% 40.2%
Bus or trolleybus 762 0.4% -6.2%
Railroad 17 0% N/A
Ferryboat 29 0% 123.1%
Motorcycle 381 0.2% 65.7%
Bicycle 608 0.4% -25.4%
Walk 2,368 1.4% -5.0%
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 Galveston County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77510 14,155 5,441 $102,651 $111,054
77511 51,892 17,866 $74,939 $94,065
77517 5,529 1,899 $88,567 $104,706
77518 9,541 3,650 $51,458 $73,835
77539 49,375 17,813 $89,111 $102,911
77546 54,789 19,508 $123,756 $161,487
77550 23,489 11,860 $45,047 $69,707
77551 21,696 9,412 $58,344 $87,392
77554 10,414 5,135 $86,490 $138,352
77563 9,955 4,052 $75,806 $96,551

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FAQs about Galveston County demographics 

What is the total population of Galveston County?

Galveston County has a total population of 358,990 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Galveston County?

The gender ratio in Galveston County is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (177,108 residents)
  • 50.7% females (181,882 residents)

What is the median age in Galveston County?

The median age in Galveston County is 38.8.

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

The age distribution in Galveston County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (69,017 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (45,519 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.6% (95,557 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (92,293 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (56,604 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Galveston County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Galveston County is as follows:
  • White: 60.3% (216,591 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.3% (44,109 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (1,950 residents)
  • Asian: 3.4% (12,211 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (297 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.4% (65,884 residents)
  • Other: 5% (17,948 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.1% of the population in Galveston County.

How many housing units are there in Galveston County?

There are 161,868 housing units in Galveston County, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Galveston County has a total of 140,660 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Galveston County?

Galveston County has a median household income of $86,105, representing a +0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.3% in Galveston County, with a workforce of 170,117 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80% (136,070 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20% (34,047 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (15,886 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.8% (111,981 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.9% (30,473 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.9% (11,777 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