McAllen, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
145,385
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,579/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
55,385
1.7% year-over-year change

McAllen population

How many people live in McAllen

McAllen is home to 145,385 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of McAllen locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
145,385
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
71,643
Female
50.7%
73,742
Value Percent YoY change
Male 71,643 49.3% 0.6%
Female 73,742 50.7% 1.6%
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 McAllen is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.1% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.1%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 33,622 23.1% 2.8%
15 to 24 21,377 14.7% 2.0%
25 to 44 39,283 27% -0.4%
45 to 64 32,125 22.1% 2.7%
Over 65 18,978 13% -2.1%
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 McAllen, 71.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 15.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 36% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 44.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.5%
Non-citizens
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 104,180 71.7% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18,193 12.5% 2.0%
Non-citizens 23,012 15.8% 2.5%
Racial breakdown
White
36%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
44.1%
Other
15.7%
Value Percent
White 52,283 36%
Black or African American 1,309 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 819 0.6%
Asian 4,022 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 70 0%
Two or more races 64,115 44.1%
Other 22,767 15.7%

Households in McAllen

A peek inside McAllen households

McAllen has 48,905 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.6% are families, while the remaining 26.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
48,905
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
12,901
Family households
36,004
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,901 26.4% 3.9%
Family households 36,004 73.6% 0.4%
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 McAllen

The housing landscape of McAllen

McAllen's housing consists of 55,385 units, with 64.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% 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
55,385
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 35,667 64.4%
1 unit, attached 2,074 3.7%
2 units 2,754 5%
3 or 4 units 3,848 7%
5 to 9 units 2,924 5.3%
10 to 19 units 2,722 4.9%
20 to 49 units 1,807 3.3%
50 or more units 1,451 2.6%
Mobile home 2,067 3.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 71 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
1,521
136.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in McAllen

In McAllen, the median construction year is 1995. About 1.8% 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, 23.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 967 1.8% -6.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 605 1.1% -8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,354 2.4% 8.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,703 4.9% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,420 15.2% 0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,741 17.6% -3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,424 15.2% -8.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13,229 23.9% -1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,421 15.2% 19.4%
Built in 2020 or later 1,521 2.8% 136.6%
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.

McAllen occupancy rates

Out of the 48,905 occupied housing units in McAllen, 59.5% are owner-occupied, while 40.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
48,905
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19,809
Owner occupied
29,096
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19,809 40.5% 0.0%
Owner occupied 29,096 59.5% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
11.7%
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.

McAllen housing costs

Housing costs in McAllen come to a median of $1,032 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,049.

Median housing costs per month
$1,032/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 McAllen
$1,049/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 McAllen

McAllen education at a glance

About 31.7% of the population in McAllen went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 19.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,391 10% 0.4%
High school diploma 33,119 31.7% 1.3%
College diploma 22,766 21.8% -3.0%
Associate degree 7,277 7% 1.0%
Bachelor's degree 20,192 19.4% 2.6%
Graduate degree 10,629 10.2% -0.2%
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 McAllen

How much people earn in McAllen

The average annual household income in McAllen was $89,575 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,579, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in McAllen
$89,575/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in McAllen
$61,579/year
2.4% year-over-year change

McAllen income by age

In McAllen, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,560. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,686 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $24,329, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,121 in earnings. Overall, 80.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $24,329 0.5%
25 - 44 $67,560 5.6%
45 - 64 $72,686 2.7%
Over 65 $42,121 -8.1%
Above poverty level
113,759
Below poverty level
28,254
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 113,759 80.1% 1.4%
Below poverty level 28,254 19.9% 0.5%

Average renter income in McAllen

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in McAllen, their median household income was $35,829 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,829
Rent-to-income ratio
35.1%
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 McAllen

Workforce and job types in McAllen

The job market in McAllen is powered by 63,463 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.1% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
63,463
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
52,166
Blue collar
11,297
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 52,166 82.2% -0.7%
Blue collar 11,297 17.8% 2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
16.1%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10,205 16.1% 1.1%
Private companies 40,253 63.4% -0.5%
Governmental workers 9,913 15.6% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 3,092 4.9% -8.3%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
9.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in McAllen stands at 6%, 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 McAllen

How people get around in McAllen

Commuting methods vary: 82% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% 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 51,175 82% -0.9%
Taxicab 13 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 310 0.5% 19.2%
Railroad 39 0.1% 62.5%
Motorcycle 28 0% 211.1%
Bicycle 68 0.1% -62.2%
Walk 629 1% 14.2%
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 McAllen by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78572 78,024 26,723 $54,298 $73,495
78501 58,935 21,734 $48,071 $67,735
78503 22,621 7,247 $53,322 $85,573
78504 63,094 19,697 $81,905 $114,990
78557 14,498 3,909 $59,441 $76,059

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FAQs about McAllen demographics 

What is the total population of McAllen?

McAllen has a total population of 145,385 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in McAllen?

The gender ratio in McAllen is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (71,643 residents)
  • 50.7% females (73,742 residents)

What is the median age in McAllen?

The median age in McAllen is 33.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in McAllen?

The age distribution in McAllen is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.1% (33,622 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (21,377 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (39,283 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (32,125 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (18,978 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of McAllen?

The racial and ethnic makeup of McAllen is as follows:
  • White: 36% (52,283 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (1,309 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (819 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (4,022 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (70 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 44.1% (64,115 residents)
  • Other: 15.7% (22,767 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 71.7% of the population in McAllen.

How many housing units are there in McAllen?

There are 55,385 housing units in McAllen, 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 McAllen and what is the average household size?

McAllen has a total of 48,905 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in McAllen?

McAllen has a median household income of $61,579, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in McAllen, with a workforce of 63,463 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.2% (52,166 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.8% (11,297 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.1% (10,205 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (40,253 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (9,913 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (3,092 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