Refugio, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,766
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,750/yr
-13.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,176
3.8% year-over-year change

Refugio population

How many people live in Refugio

Refugio is home to 2,766 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Refugio locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
2,766
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
1,290
Female
53.4%
1,476
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,290 46.6% 2.5%
Female 1,476 53.4% 0.3%
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 Refugio is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 20.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
20.6%
Over 65
20.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 554 20% -12.6%
15 to 24 372 13.4% -11.4%
25 to 44 711 25.7% 14.9%
45 to 64 571 20.6% 1.1%
Over 65 558 20.2% 13.7%
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 Refugio, 95.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 36.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,649 95.8% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 45 1.6% 40.6%
Non-citizens 72 2.6% 35.9%
Racial breakdown
White
41.3%
Black or African American
13.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
36.4%
Other
7.8%
Value Percent
White 1,142 41.3%
Black or African American 383 13.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.6%
Two or more races 1,008 36.4%
Other 216 7.8%

Households in Refugio

A peek inside Refugio households

Refugio has 957 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.2% are families, while the remaining 26.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
957
11.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
257
Family households
700
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 257 26.8% 6.2%
Family households 700 73.2% 14.2%
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 Refugio

The housing landscape of Refugio

Refugio's housing consists of 1,176 units, with 71.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% 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 9.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,176
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 846 71.9%
1 unit, attached 4 0.3%
2 units 53 4.5%
5 to 9 units 108 9.2%
10 to 19 units 20 1.7%
20 to 49 units 21 1.8%
Mobile home 114 9.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
23
-8.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Refugio

In Refugio, the median construction year is 1967. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 19 1.6% 11.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 113 9.6% 22.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 256 21.8% -7.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 293 24.9% -6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 125 10.6% -1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 110 9.4% 6.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 89 7.6% 3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 50 4.2% 56.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 98 8.3% 55.6%
Built in 2020 or later 23 2% -8.0%
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.

Refugio occupancy rates

Out of the 957 occupied housing units in Refugio, 58.9% are owner-occupied, while 41.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
957
11.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
393
Owner occupied
564
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 393 41.1% 12.6%
Owner occupied 564 58.9% 11.5%
Unoccupied housing units
18.6%
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.

Refugio housing costs

Housing costs in Refugio come to a median of $786 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $747.

Median housing costs per month
$786/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 Refugio
$747/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 Refugio

Refugio education at a glance

About 47.9% of the population in Refugio went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 9.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 164 8% 31.2%
High school diploma 986 47.9% 7.6%
College diploma 472 23% -6.3%
Associate degree 182 8.8% 64.0%
Bachelor's degree 189 9.2% 8.0%
Graduate degree 64 3.1% -4.5%
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 Refugio

How much people earn in Refugio

The average annual household income in Refugio was $59,628 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,750, reflecting a -13.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Refugio
$59,628/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Refugio
$48,750/year
-13.2% year-over-year change

Refugio income by age

In Refugio, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $53,068. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,750 overall. Overall, 74.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $53,068 N/A
45 - 64 $78,750 7.9%
Over 65 $28,000 -27.7%
Above poverty level
1,979
Below poverty level
674
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,979 74.6% 7.8%
Below poverty level 674 25.4% -13.5%

Average renter income in Refugio

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Refugio, their median household income was $18,204 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 49.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,204
Rent-to-income ratio
49.2%
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 Refugio

Workforce and job types in Refugio

The job market in Refugio is powered by 1,126 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.8% run their own businesses, 64.1% are employed by private companies, and 28.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,126
6.6% year-over-year change
White collar
827
Blue collar
299
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 827 73.4% -1.2%
Blue collar 299 26.6% 36.5%
Employer type
Self employees
4.8%
Private companies
64.1%
Governmental workers
28.2%
Not for profit companies
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 54 4.8% -36.5%
Private companies 722 64.1% 21.6%
Governmental workers 318 28.2% -7.3%
Not for profit companies 32 2.8% -5.9%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
-45.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Refugio stands at 1%, 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 Refugio

How people get around in Refugio

In Refugio, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.3% 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
15.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 992 91.6% 3.7%
Walk 68 6.3% 61.9%
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 Refugio by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78377 3,421 1,271 $49,974 $62,843

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FAQs about Refugio demographics 

What is the total population of Refugio?

Refugio has a total population of 2,766 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Refugio?

The gender ratio in Refugio is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (1,290 residents)
  • 53.4% females (1,476 residents)

What is the median age in Refugio?

The median age in Refugio is 39.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Refugio?

The age distribution in Refugio is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (554 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (372 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (711 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.6% (571 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.2% (558 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Refugio?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Refugio is as follows:
  • White: 41.3% (1,142 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.8% (383 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 36.4% (1,008 residents)
  • Other: 7.8% (216 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.8% of the population in Refugio.

How many housing units are there in Refugio?

There are 1,176 housing units in Refugio, reflecting a +3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Refugio has a total of 957 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Refugio?

Refugio has a median household income of $48,750, representing a -13.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99% in Refugio, with a workforce of 1,126 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.4% (827 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.6% (299 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.8% (54 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.1% (722 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.2% (318 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.8% (32 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