Alief, Houston, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
105,404
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,233/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
37,483
-0.3% year-over-year change

Alief population

How many people live in Alief

Alief is home to 105,404 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Alief locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
105,404
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
52,443
Female
50.2%
52,961
Value Percent YoY change
Male 52,443 49.8% -0.3%
Female 52,961 50.2% -1.1%
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 Alief is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 16.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
16.6%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 21,586 20.5% -3.0%
15 to 24 17,525 16.6% -1.2%
25 to 44 27,075 25.7% 0.3%
45 to 64 25,601 24.3% -1.1%
Over 65 13,617 12.9% 2.2%
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 Alief, 49.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 23.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 26.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 13.8% of locals are Caucasian, 28.3% are African American and 17.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 21.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
49.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
23.9%
Non-citizens
26.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 52,253 49.6% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25,189 23.9% 1.1%
Non-citizens 27,961 26.5% -6.4%
Racial breakdown
White
13.8%
Black or African American
28.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
17.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
21.1%
Other
17.9%
Value Percent
White 14,578 13.8%
Black or African American 29,811 28.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,338 1.3%
Asian 18,491 17.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 46 0%
Two or more races 22,278 21.1%
Other 18,861 17.9%

Households in Alief

A peek inside Alief households

Alief has 34,098 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.2% are families, while the remaining 27.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
34,098
-1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
9,462
Family households
24,636
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,462 27.8% -1.1%
Family households 24,636 72.2% -1.4%
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 Alief

The housing landscape of Alief

Alief's housing consists of 37,483 units, with 43.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
37,483
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,156 43.1%
1 unit, attached 3,383 9%
2 units 767 2%
3 or 4 units 1,624 4.3%
5 to 9 units 3,713 9.9%
10 to 19 units 4,515 12%
20 to 49 units 1,696 4.5%
50 or more units 5,233 14%
Mobile home 396 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
171
163.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alief

In Alief, the median construction year is 1981. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 596 1.6% 31.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 414 1.1% -16.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 600 1.6% -13.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,715 9.9% -1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 12,848 34.3% -1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,176 27.2% -8.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,692 9.8% 6.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,751 10% 13.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,520 4.1% 39.8%
Built in 2020 or later 171 0.5% 163.1%
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.

Alief occupancy rates

Out of the 34,098 occupied housing units in Alief, 41.5% are owner-occupied, while 58.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
34,098
-1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19,948
Owner occupied
14,150
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19,948 58.5% -1.4%
Owner occupied 14,150 41.5% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
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.

Alief housing costs

Housing costs in Alief come to a median of $1,180 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,282.

Median housing costs per month
$1,180/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 Alief
$1,282/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 Alief

Alief education at a glance

About 39.1% of the population in Alief went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13,174 17% 1.6%
High school diploma 30,394 39.1% -2.9%
College diploma 13,647 17.6% -0.0%
Associate degree 6,473 8.3% 2.4%
Bachelor's degree 10,352 13.3% 1.5%
Graduate degree 3,653 4.7% 12.6%
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 Alief

How much people earn in Alief

The average annual household income in Alief was $66,028 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 $50,233, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alief
$66,028/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alief
$50,233/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Alief income by age

In Alief, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $47,950. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,684 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $77,847, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,154 in earnings. Overall, 76.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $77,847 58.9%
25 - 44 $47,950 -4.0%
45 - 64 $61,684 6.4%
Over 65 $34,154 2.1%
Above poverty level
78,836
Below poverty level
24,719
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 78,836 76.1% 0.0%
Below poverty level 24,719 23.9% -4.6%

Employment in Alief

Workforce and job types in Alief

71.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.8% run their own businesses, 72.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
34,069
Blue collar
13,678
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 34,069 71.4% -2.2%
Blue collar 13,678 28.6% -1.0%
Employer type
Self employees
12.8%
Private companies
72.1%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,095 12.8% -1.7%
Private companies 34,417 72.1% -3.9%
Governmental workers 4,996 10.5% 11.5%
Not for profit companies 2,239 4.7% 3.7%

Transportation in Alief

How people get around in Alief

In Alief, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 93.4% 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
29 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 38,774 93.4% -3.3%
Taxicab 174 0.4% 81.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,938 4.7% -9.7%
Bicycle 51 0.1% -37.8%
Walk 567 1.4% 16.7%
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 Alief by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77099 50,064 16,393 $49,396 $69,932
77072 57,108 18,278 $51,070 $65,710

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FAQs about Alief demographics 

What is the total population of Alief?

Alief has a total population of 105,404 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alief?

The gender ratio in Alief is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (52,443 residents)
  • 50.2% females (52,961 residents)

What is the median age in Alief?

The median age in Alief is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alief?

The age distribution in Alief is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (21,586 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.6% (17,525 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (27,075 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (25,601 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.9% (13,617 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alief?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alief is as follows:
  • White: 13.8% (14,578 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.3% (29,811 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (1,338 residents)
  • Asian: 17.5% (18,491 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (46 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.1% (22,278 residents)
  • Other: 17.9% (18,861 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 49.6% of the population in Alief.

How many housing units are there in Alief?

There are 37,483 housing units in Alief, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Alief has a total of 34,098 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alief?

Alief has a median household income of $50,233, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Alief?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.4% (34,069 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.6% (13,678 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.8% (6,095 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.1% (34,417 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (4,996 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.7% (2,239 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