Odessa, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
115,322
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,472/yr
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
49,871
2.1% year-over-year change

Odessa population

How many people live in Odessa

Odessa is home to 115,322 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Odessa locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
115,322
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
59,112
Female
48.7%
56,210
Value Percent YoY change
Male 59,112 51.3% 2.2%
Female 56,210 48.7% -0.0%
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 Odessa is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.8% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.1% of the population, while another 18.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.8%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
32.1%
45 to 64
18.6%
Over 65
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 28,611 24.8% 1.6%
15 to 24 16,516 14.3% -1.6%
25 to 44 37,068 32.1% 3.8%
45 to 64 21,485 18.6% -1.4%
Over 65 11,642 10.1% -0.2%
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 Odessa, 82.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.4% of locals are Caucasian, 6.1% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 17.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 26.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.8%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 95,404 82.7% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,952 7.8% 12.4%
Non-citizens 10,966 9.5% 11.5%
Racial breakdown
White
47.4%
Black or African American
6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
26.2%
Other
17.8%
Value Percent
White 54,681 47.4%
Black or African American 7,071 6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 607 0.5%
Asian 2,046 1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 193 0.2%
Two or more races 30,245 26.2%
Other 20,479 17.8%

Households in Odessa

A peek inside Odessa households

Odessa has 46,660 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.2% are families, while the remaining 34.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
46,660
3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
16,255
Family households
30,405
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,255 34.8% 1.3%
Family households 30,405 65.2% 5.1%
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 Odessa

The housing landscape of Odessa

Odessa's housing consists of 49,871 units, with 63.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% 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 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
49,871
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 31,603 63.4%
1 unit, attached 1,316 2.6%
2 units 604 1.2%
3 or 4 units 2,038 4.1%
5 to 9 units 2,770 5.6%
10 to 19 units 4,223 8.5%
20 to 49 units 2,193 4.4%
50 or more units 3,189 6.4%
Mobile home 1,720 3.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 215 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
1,619
86.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Odessa

In Odessa, the median construction year is 1980. About 0.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 384 0.8% -20.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,333 4.7% 7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,581 21.2% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,755 9.5% -8.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,163 14.4% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,964 12% -8.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,412 6.8% -10.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,676 9.4% 23.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,984 18% 16.2%
Built in 2020 or later 1,619 3.2% 86.1%
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.

Odessa occupancy rates

Out of the 46,660 occupied housing units in Odessa, 59.8% are owner-occupied, while 40.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
46,660
3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18,769
Owner occupied
27,891
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18,769 40.2% 2.3%
Owner occupied 27,891 59.8% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.4%
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.

Odessa housing costs

Housing costs in Odessa come to a median of $1,276 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,315.

Median housing costs per month
$1,276/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 Odessa
$1,315/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 Odessa

Odessa education at a glance

About 42.7% of the population in Odessa went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 11.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,108 7.5% -2.8%
High school diploma 34,778 42.7% 4.2%
College diploma 19,070 23.4% -2.3%
Associate degree 7,325 9% -4.1%
Bachelor's degree 9,678 11.9% 3.5%
Graduate degree 4,499 5.5% 10.8%
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 Odessa

How much people earn in Odessa

The average annual household income in Odessa was $95,761 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,472, reflecting a +0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Odessa
$95,761/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Odessa
$73,472/year
0.6% year-over-year change

Odessa income by age

In Odessa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,021. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,899 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,707, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,391 in earnings. Overall, 84% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,707 0.1%
25 - 44 $85,021 2.4%
45 - 64 $94,899 1.9%
Over 65 $41,391 0.3%
Above poverty level
93,638
Below poverty level
17,864
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 93,638 84% -1.4%
Below poverty level 17,864 16% 13.7%

Average renter income in Odessa

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Odessa, their median household income was $49,864 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,864
Rent-to-income ratio
31.6%
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 Odessa

Workforce and job types in Odessa

The job market in Odessa is powered by 55,698 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11% run their own businesses, 70.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
55,698
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
37,447
Blue collar
18,251
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 37,447 67.2% 2.2%
Blue collar 18,251 32.8% -1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
11%
Private companies
70.7%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,105 11% 9.0%
Private companies 39,358 70.7% 0.6%
Governmental workers 7,700 13.8% -5.2%
Not for profit companies 2,535 4.6% 11.7%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
10.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Odessa stands at 5.9%, 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 Odessa

How people get around in Odessa

In Odessa, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 94.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 51,613 94.2% 1.4%
Taxicab 22 0% 15.8%
Bus or trolleybus 127 0.2% 9.5%
Motorcycle 1 0% -83.3%
Bicycle 70 0.1% -35.2%
Walk 426 0.8% -18.9%
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 Odessa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
79761 30,164 12,755 $68,228 $83,647
79762 39,927 16,262 $75,272 $98,235
79763 35,174 13,679 $56,877 $77,153
79764 27,013 10,037 $65,170 $97,231
79765 25,904 10,283 $104,965 $129,226
79766 11,041 3,541 $74,407 $90,706

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FAQs about Odessa demographics 

What is the total population of Odessa?

Odessa has a total population of 115,322 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 Odessa?

The gender ratio in Odessa is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (59,112 residents)
  • 48.7% females (56,210 residents)

What is the median age in Odessa?

The median age in Odessa is 31.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Odessa?

The age distribution in Odessa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.8% (28,611 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (16,516 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.1% (37,068 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.6% (21,485 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.1% (11,642 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Odessa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Odessa is as follows:
  • White: 47.4% (54,681 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.1% (7,071 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (607 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (2,046 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (193 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.2% (30,245 residents)
  • Other: 17.8% (20,479 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.7% of the population in Odessa.

How many housing units are there in Odessa?

There are 49,871 housing units in Odessa, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Odessa has a total of 46,660 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Odessa?

Odessa has a median household income of $73,472, representing a +0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.1% in Odessa, with a workforce of 55,698 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.2% (37,447 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.8% (18,251 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11% (6,105 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.7% (39,358 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (7,700 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (2,535 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