Houston, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,328,253
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,813/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,040,576
1.7% year-over-year change

Houston population

How many people live in Houston

Houston is home to 2,328,253 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Houston locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
2,328,253
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
1,150,763
Female
50.6%
1,177,490
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,150,763 49.4% 1.1%
Female 1,177,490 50.6% 1.3%
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 Houston is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.2% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
32.2%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 455,605 19.6% 0.4%
15 to 24 321,751 13.8% 2.0%
25 to 44 750,277 32.2% 1.1%
45 to 64 513,869 22.1% 0.4%
Over 65 286,751 12.3% 3.5%
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 Houston, 69% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 30.4% of locals are Caucasian, 22.7% are African American and 7% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 14.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 24% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.3%
Non-citizens
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,606,840 69% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 263,759 11.3% 0.7%
Non-citizens 457,654 19.7% 4.1%
Racial breakdown
White
30.4%
Black or African American
22.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
24%
Other
14.8%
Value Percent
White 706,709 30.4%
Black or African American 528,496 22.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 24,306 1%
Asian 161,755 7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,746 0.1%
Two or more races 559,843 24%
Other 345,398 14.8%

Households in Houston

A peek inside Houston households

Houston has 930,404 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
930,404
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
394,051
Family households
536,353
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 394,051 42.4% 2.6%
Family households 536,353 57.6% 0.7%
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 Houston

The housing landscape of Houston

Houston's housing consists of 1,040,576 units, with 42.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.9% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,040,576
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 444,742 42.7%
1 unit, attached 50,598 4.9%
2 units 20,505 2%
3 or 4 units 50,524 4.9%
5 to 9 units 72,756 7%
10 to 19 units 109,206 10.5%
20 to 49 units 68,612 6.6%
50 or more units 212,461 20.4%
Mobile home 10,734 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 438 0%
Homes built since 2020
24,588
73.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Houston

In Houston, the median construction year is 1982. About 4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 41,296 4% -2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37,958 3.6% -0.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 94,117 9% -1.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 123,035 11.8% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 192,199 18.5% -1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 141,904 13.6% -1.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 93,240 9% -1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 141,523 13.6% 6.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 150,716 14.5% 5.3%
Built in 2020 or later 24,588 2.4% 73.9%
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.

Houston occupancy rates

Out of the 930,404 occupied housing units in Houston, 42.1% are owner-occupied, while 57.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
930,404
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
538,885
Owner occupied
391,519
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 538,885 57.9% 1.3%
Owner occupied 391,519 42.1% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
10.6%
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.

Houston housing costs

Housing costs in Houston come to a median of $1,368 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,361.

Median housing costs per month
$1,368/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 Houston
$1,361/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 Houston

Houston education at a glance

About 31.1% of the population in Houston went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 20.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 201,211 11.3% 0.9%
High school diploma 554,147 31.1% 1.3%
College diploma 319,399 17.9% -0.8%
Associate degree 105,208 5.9% -0.4%
Bachelor's degree 365,009 20.5% 2.6%
Graduate degree 237,962 13.4% 4.7%
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 Houston

How much people earn in Houston

The average annual household income in Houston was $104,554 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,813, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Houston
$104,554/year
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Houston
$64,813/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Houston income by age

In Houston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,768. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,124 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,189, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,324 in earnings. Overall, 80.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,189 3.2%
25 - 44 $69,768 4.1%
45 - 64 $73,124 3.0%
Over 65 $50,324 0.8%
Above poverty level
1,814,680
Below poverty level
446,664
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,814,680 80.2% 0.9%
Below poverty level 446,664 19.8% 2.2%

Average renter income in Houston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Houston, their median household income was $46,954 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,954
Rent-to-income ratio
34.8%
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 Houston

Workforce and job types in Houston

The job market in Houston is powered by 1,150,564 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 72.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,150,564
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
878,102
Blue collar
272,462
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 878,102 76.3% 1.8%
Blue collar 272,462 23.7% -0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
72.3%
Governmental workers
10.3%
Not for profit companies
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 119,896 10.4% 2.6%
Private companies 831,903 72.3% 0.4%
Governmental workers 118,912 10.3% 2.8%
Not for profit companies 79,853 6.9% 5.4%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
5.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Houston stands at 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 Houston

How people get around in Houston

In Houston, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 880,474 78.3% -0.9%
Taxicab 4,914 0.4% 61.5%
Bus or trolleybus 32,647 2.9% -0.3%
Subway or elevated 757 0.1% N/A
Railroad 116 0% -10.8%
Ferryboat 58 0% -40.8%
Motorcycle 1,022 0.1% -4.8%
Bicycle 5,374 0.5% 13.5%
Walk 22,830 2% 7.2%
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 Houston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77002 21,015 7,644 $86,394 $126,404
77003 10,164 5,674 $83,980 $114,647
77004 35,997 16,623 $71,199 $103,656
77005 28,874 10,022 $229,267 $353,045
77006 24,892 14,697 $106,533 $173,275
77007 47,808 25,429 $144,911 $198,142
77008 41,645 20,352 $143,229 $223,418
77009 35,769 15,721 $83,148 $144,204
77010 718 417 $189,315 $404,356
77011 14,940 6,009 $50,133 $61,829

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FAQs about Houston demographics 

What is the total population of Houston?

Houston has a total population of 2,328,253 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 Houston?

The gender ratio in Houston is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (1,150,763 residents)
  • 50.6% females (1,177,490 residents)

What is the median age in Houston?

The median age in Houston is 34.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Houston?

The age distribution in Houston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (455,605 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (321,751 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.2% (750,277 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (513,869 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.3% (286,751 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Houston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Houston is as follows:
  • White: 30.4% (706,709 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.7% (528,496 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (24,306 residents)
  • Asian: 7% (161,755 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (1,746 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 24% (559,843 residents)
  • Other: 14.8% (345,398 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69% of the population in Houston.

How many housing units are there in Houston?

There are 1,040,576 housing units in Houston, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Houston has a total of 930,404 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Houston?

Houston has a median household income of $64,813, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93% in Houston, with a workforce of 1,150,564 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.3% (878,102 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.7% (272,462 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (119,896 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.3% (831,903 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.3% (118,912 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.9% (79,853 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