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

Total population
16,075
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,725/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,226
0.4% year-over-year change

East Houston population

How many people live in East Houston

East Houston is home to 16,075 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of East Houston locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
16,075
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
7,523
Female
53.2%
8,552
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,523 46.8% 0.4%
Female 8,552 53.2% -1.7%
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 East Houston is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 24% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 21.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
24%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
21.1%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,861 24% -7.2%
15 to 24 2,291 14.2% 10.3%
25 to 44 3,986 24.8% -7.4%
45 to 64 3,391 21.1% 7.3%
Over 65 2,547 15.8% 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 East Houston, 78.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 10.9% of locals are Caucasian, 53.8% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 20.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
16.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,656 78.7% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 729 4.5% -4.2%
Non-citizens 2,691 16.7% 1.9%
Racial breakdown
White
10.9%
Black or African American
53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
20.3%
Other
14.6%
Value Percent
White 1,745 10.9%
Black or African American 8,641 53.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 38 0.2%
Asian 42 0.3%
Two or more races 3,269 20.3%
Other 2,340 14.6%

Households in East Houston

A peek inside East Houston households

East Houston has 5,567 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.8% are families, while the remaining 36.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,567
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,013
Family households
3,554
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,013 36.2% 2.1%
Family households 3,554 63.8% 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 East Houston

The housing landscape of East Houston

East Houston's housing consists of 6,226 units, with 76.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,226
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,750 76.3%
1 unit, attached 211 3.4%
2 units 60 1%
3 or 4 units 78 1.2%
5 to 9 units 249 4%
10 to 19 units 336 5.4%
20 to 49 units 215 3.4%
50 or more units 279 4.5%
Mobile home 50 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
152
42.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Houston

In East Houston, the median construction year is 1966. About 2.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.8% 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 157 2.5% -31.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 568 9.1% 30.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,503 24.1% 11.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 960 15.4% 6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,024 16.4% -6.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 414 6.6% -13.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 292 4.7% -10.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 422 6.8% -31.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 734 11.8% 11.2%
Built in 2020 or later 152 2.4% 42.1%
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.

East Houston occupancy rates

Out of the 5,567 occupied housing units in East Houston, 56.4% are owner-occupied, while 43.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,567
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,425
Owner occupied
3,142
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,425 43.6% 4.3%
Owner occupied 3,142 56.4% -1.2%
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.

East Houston housing costs

Housing costs in East Houston come to a median of $906 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,226.

Median housing costs per month
$906/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 East Houston
$1,226/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 East Houston

East Houston education at a glance

About 49.8% of the population in East Houston went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.5% earned an associate degree and 7.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,333 11.8% 10.2%
High school diploma 5,606 49.8% -0.7%
College diploma 2,436 21.6% 2.9%
Associate degree 619 5.5% -21.9%
Bachelor's degree 890 7.9% -1.4%
Graduate degree 370 3.3% 39.6%
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 East Houston

How much people earn in East Houston

The average annual household income in East Houston was $58,982 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,725, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Houston
$58,982/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Houston
$38,725/year
3.1% year-over-year change

East Houston income by age

In East Houston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,311. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,440 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $25,198, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $31,074 in earnings. Overall, 66.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $25,198 1.8%
25 - 44 $44,311 10.4%
45 - 64 $41,440 -2.4%
Over 65 $31,074 -8.9%
Above poverty level
10,469
Below poverty level
5,197
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,469 66.8% -1.5%
Below poverty level 5,197 33.2% 2.0%

Employment in East Houston

Workforce and job types in East Houston

63.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 19.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,449
Blue collar
1,968
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,449 63.7% -4.1%
Blue collar 1,968 36.3% 0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
19.5%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 514 9.5% -9.8%
Private companies 3,629 67% -4.6%
Governmental workers 1,058 19.5% 10.9%
Not for profit companies 215 4% -7.7%

Transportation in East Houston

How people get around in East Houston

Commuting methods vary: 94.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 4,582 94.7% -4.3%
Bus or trolleybus 225 4.6% 75.8%
Walk 30 0.6% -25.0%
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 East Houston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77028 19,109 6,313 $38,357 $54,409
77078 14,247 5,057 $39,093 $61,716

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FAQs about East Houston demographics 

What is the total population of East Houston?

East Houston has a total population of 16,075 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 East Houston?

The gender ratio in East Houston is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (7,523 residents)
  • 53.2% females (8,552 residents)

What is the median age in East Houston?

The median age in East Houston is 33.

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

The age distribution in East Houston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24% (3,861 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (2,291 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (3,986 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.1% (3,391 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (2,547 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Houston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Houston is as follows:
  • White: 10.9% (1,745 residents)
  • Black or African American: 53.8% (8,641 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (38 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (42 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 20.3% (3,269 residents)
  • Other: 14.6% (2,340 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.7% of the population in East Houston.

How many housing units are there in East Houston?

There are 6,226 housing units in East Houston, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Houston has a total of 5,567 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Houston?

East Houston has a median household income of $38,725, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Houston?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.7% (3,449 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.3% (1,968 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (514 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (3,629 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.5% (1,058 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (215 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