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

Total population
19,609
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,394/yr
-2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,836
6.0% year-over-year change

Downtown Houston population

How many people live in Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston is home to 19,609 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 68.5% of Downtown Houston locals are male, and 31.5% are female.

Total population
19,609
7.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
68.5%
13,424
Female
31.5%
6,184
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,424 68.5% 4.4%
Female 6,184 31.5% 13.1%
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 Downtown Houston is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 4% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 57.9% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 4.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
4%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
57.9%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 790 4% 87.7%
15 to 24 2,285 11.6% 4.8%
25 to 44 11,357 57.9% 7.0%
45 to 64 4,330 22.1% 0.9%
Over 65 846 4.3% 3.4%
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 Downtown Houston, 83.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 37.4% of locals are Caucasian, 32.7% are African American and 5.7% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.6% 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
83.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,355 83.4% 4.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,160 5.9% -0.4%
Non-citizens 2,094 10.7% 36.3%
Racial breakdown
White
37.4%
Black or African American
32.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
5.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
18.4%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 7,333 37.4%
Black or African American 6,410 32.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 215 1.1%
Asian 1,118 5.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 26 0.1%
Two or more races 3,599 18.4%
Other 907 4.6%

Households in Downtown Houston

A peek inside Downtown Houston households

Downtown Houston has 7,919 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 20.7% are families, while the remaining 79.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,919
7.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
6,279
Family households
1,640
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,279 79.3% 7.6%
Family households 1,640 20.7% 7.3%
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 Downtown Houston

The housing landscape of Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston's housing consists of 9,836 units, with 8.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,836
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 816 8.3%
1 unit, attached 474 4.8%
2 units 81 0.8%
3 or 4 units 182 1.8%
5 to 9 units 321 3.3%
10 to 19 units 324 3.3%
20 to 49 units 477 4.8%
50 or more units 7,138 72.6%
Mobile home 24 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
567
142.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Houston

In Downtown Houston, the median construction year is 2007. About 13% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 42.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,280 13% -3.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 221 2.2% 9.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 227 2.3% 120.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 524 5.3% -8.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 341 3.5% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 441 4.5% -29.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 454 4.6% 65.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,613 16.4% 3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,168 42.4% 2.8%
Built in 2020 or later 567 5.8% 142.3%
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.

Downtown Houston occupancy rates

Out of the 7,919 occupied housing units in Downtown Houston, 15.3% are owner-occupied, while 84.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,919
7.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,709
Owner occupied
1,210
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,709 84.7% 10.0%
Owner occupied 1,210 15.3% -4.3%
Unoccupied housing units
19.5%
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.

Downtown Houston housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Houston come to a median of $1,922 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,885.

Median housing costs per month
$1,922/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 Downtown Houston
$1,885/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 Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston education at a glance

About 35.5% of the population in Downtown Houston went to high school, while 17.8% pursued college studies. Another 4.4% earned an associate degree and 24.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 580 3.1% -15.1%
High school diploma 6,622 35.5% 3.1%
College diploma 3,308 17.8% 5.9%
Associate degree 828 4.4% 4.5%
Bachelor's degree 4,539 24.4% 5.4%
Graduate degree 2,759 14.8% 13.4%
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 Downtown Houston

How much people earn in Downtown Houston

The average annual household income in Downtown Houston was $124,060 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,394, reflecting a -2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Houston
$124,060/year
8.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Houston
$86,394/year
-2.8% year-over-year change

Downtown Houston income by age

In Downtown Houston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $94,836. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,211 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $2,499, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $78,239 in earnings. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $2,499 -97.0%
25 - 44 $94,836 0.3%
45 - 64 $98,211 19.4%
Over 65 $78,239 1.2%
Above poverty level
10,223
Below poverty level
1,689
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,223 85.8% 12.4%
Below poverty level 1,689 14.2% 0.4%

Employment in Downtown Houston

Workforce and job types in Downtown Houston

94.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.6% run their own businesses, 70.8% are employed by private companies, and 11.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,292
Blue collar
507
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,292 94.2% 10.4%
Blue collar 507 5.8% -15.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10.6%
Private companies
70.8%
Governmental workers
11.4%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 937 10.6% 18.9%
Private companies 6,233 70.8% 4.0%
Governmental workers 1,000 11.4% 13.2%
Not for profit companies 630 7.2% 41.9%

Transportation in Downtown Houston

How people get around in Downtown Houston

In Downtown Houston, the average commute time is 8 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 15.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
8 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,967 81.1% 4.4%
Taxicab 24 0.4% 166.7%
Bus or trolleybus 137 2.2% 95.7%
Motorcycle 7 0.1% 40.0%
Bicycle 61 1% 52.5%
Walk 926 15.1% -1.3%
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 Downtown 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
77010 718 417 $189,315 $404,356

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FAQs about Downtown Houston demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Houston?

Downtown Houston has a total population of 19,609 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 +7.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Houston?

The gender ratio in Downtown Houston is as follows:
  • 68.5% males (13,424 residents)
  • 31.5% females (6,184 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Houston?

The median age in Downtown Houston is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Houston?

The age distribution in Downtown Houston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4% (790 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (2,285 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 57.9% (11,357 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (4,330 residents)
  • Over 65: 4.3% (846 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Houston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Houston is as follows:
  • White: 37.4% (7,333 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.7% (6,410 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (215 residents)
  • Asian: 5.7% (1,118 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (26 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.4% (3,599 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (907 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.4% of the population in Downtown Houston.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Houston?

There are 9,836 housing units in Downtown Houston, reflecting a +6.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downtown Houston has a total of 7,919 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Houston?

Downtown Houston has a median household income of $86,394, representing a -2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Houston?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.2% (8,292 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.8% (507 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.6% (937 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.8% (6,233 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.4% (1,000 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (630 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