Pharr, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
80,333
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,814/yr
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
27,086
2.1% year-over-year change

Pharr population

How many people live in Pharr

Pharr is home to 80,333 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Pharr locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
80,333
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
38,833
Female
51.7%
41,500
Value Percent YoY change
Male 38,833 48.3% 0.8%
Female 41,500 51.7% 0.5%
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 Pharr is 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.6% are children under 15, then 17.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 18.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.6%
15 to 24
17.5%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
18.3%
Over 65
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 21,407 26.6% 0.3%
15 to 24 14,079 17.5% 2.0%
25 to 44 21,443 26.7% -0.9%
45 to 64 14,730 18.3% 1.4%
Over 65 8,674 10.8% 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 Pharr, 69.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 20.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 28.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 58.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.8%
Non-citizens
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 55,758 69.4% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,862 9.8% 4.8%
Non-citizens 16,713 20.8% 0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
28.1%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
58.2%
Other
12.3%
Value Percent
White 22,593 28.1%
Black or African American 469 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 217 0.3%
Asian 400 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0%
Two or more races 46,736 58.2%
Other 9,912 12.3%

Households in Pharr

A peek inside Pharr households

Pharr has 23,877 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 78.6% are families, while the remaining 21.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
23,877
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,103
Family households
18,774
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,103 21.4% 14.8%
Family households 18,774 78.6% -0.1%
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 Pharr

The housing landscape of Pharr

Pharr's housing consists of 27,086 units, with 58.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% 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 16.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
27,086
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,737 58.1%
1 unit, attached 815 3%
2 units 1,874 6.9%
3 or 4 units 2,506 9.2%
5 to 9 units 596 2.2%
10 to 19 units 399 1.5%
20 to 49 units 201 0.7%
50 or more units 365 1.4%
Mobile home 4,552 16.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 41 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
577
48.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pharr

In Pharr, the median construction year is 2001. About 0.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 30.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 143 0.5% -11.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 492 1.8% 0.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 804 3% 15.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,268 4.7% 2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,366 8.7% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,987 11% -3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,566 16.9% -0.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,167 30.2% -0.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,716 21.1% 6.9%
Built in 2020 or later 577 2.1% 48.7%
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.

Pharr occupancy rates

Out of the 23,877 occupied housing units in Pharr, 59.1% are owner-occupied, while 40.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
23,877
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,762
Owner occupied
14,115
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,762 40.9% 1.8%
Owner occupied 14,115 59.1% 3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
11.8%
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.

Pharr housing costs

Housing costs in Pharr come to a median of $896 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,037.

Median housing costs per month
$896/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 Pharr
$1,037/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 Pharr

Pharr education at a glance

About 39.8% of the population in Pharr went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.5% earned an associate degree and 12.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,567 14% -4.5%
High school diploma 21,517 39.8% 1.1%
College diploma 12,150 22.5% 1.1%
Associate degree 3,513 6.5% -8.8%
Bachelor's degree 6,966 12.9% 8.7%
Graduate degree 2,315 4.3% 12.2%
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 Pharr

How much people earn in Pharr

The average annual household income in Pharr was $69,768 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 $52,814, reflecting a +5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pharr
$69,768/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pharr
$52,814/year
5.9% year-over-year change

Pharr income by age

In Pharr, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,153. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,773 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,253, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $29,386 in earnings. Overall, 72.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,253 -6.1%
25 - 44 $62,153 7.5%
45 - 64 $62,773 7.1%
Over 65 $29,386 -1.8%
Above poverty level
56,913
Below poverty level
21,662
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 56,913 72.4% 3.8%
Below poverty level 21,662 27.6% -7.4%

Average renter income in Pharr

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pharr, their median household income was $32,579 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,579
Rent-to-income ratio
38.2%
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 Pharr

Workforce and job types in Pharr

The job market in Pharr is powered by 32,855 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.2% run their own businesses, 69.6% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
32,855
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
23,288
Blue collar
9,567
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,288 70.9% 2.8%
Blue collar 9,567 29.1% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12.2%
Private companies
69.6%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,991 12.2% -3.4%
Private companies 22,865 69.6% 2.8%
Governmental workers 5,202 15.8% 8.3%
Not for profit companies 797 2.4% -8.3%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
9.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pharr stands at 7.2%, 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 Pharr

How people get around in Pharr

Commuting methods vary: 89.1% 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 28,627 89.1% 1.2%
Taxicab 12 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 41 0.1% 13.9%
Subway or elevated 12 0% N/A
Motorcycle 32 0.1% N/A
Walk 315 1% 14.1%
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 Pharr by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78577 80,540 23,957 $52,770 $69,950
78589 40,231 11,709 $54,285 $66,352

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FAQs about Pharr demographics 

What is the total population of Pharr?

Pharr has a total population of 80,333 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 Pharr?

The gender ratio in Pharr is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (38,833 residents)
  • 51.7% females (41,500 residents)

What is the median age in Pharr?

The median age in Pharr is 29.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pharr?

The age distribution in Pharr is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.6% (21,407 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.5% (14,079 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (21,443 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.3% (14,730 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.8% (8,674 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pharr?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pharr is as follows:
  • White: 28.1% (22,593 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (469 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (217 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (400 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 58.2% (46,736 residents)
  • Other: 12.3% (9,912 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.4% of the population in Pharr.

How many housing units are there in Pharr?

There are 27,086 housing units in Pharr, 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 Pharr and what is the average household size?

Pharr has a total of 23,877 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pharr?

Pharr has a median household income of $52,814, representing a +5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.8% in Pharr, with a workforce of 32,855 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.9% (23,288 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.1% (9,567 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.2% (3,991 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.6% (22,865 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (5,202 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (797 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