San Benito, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,709
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,639/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,367
5.6% year-over-year change

San Benito population

How many people live in San Benito

San Benito is home to 24,709 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.2% of San Benito locals are male, and 47.8% are female.

Total population
24,709
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.2%
12,894
Female
47.8%
11,815
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,894 52.2% 1.0%
Female 11,815 47.8% -0.8%
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 San Benito is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 18.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
18.6%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,270 21.3% -9.4%
15 to 24 4,586 18.6% 2.9%
25 to 44 5,557 22.5% 0.5%
45 to 64 5,377 21.8% 4.8%
Over 65 3,919 15.9% 4.7%
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 San Benito, 81.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 57.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.2%
Non-citizens
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,073 81.2% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,770 7.2% 1.2%
Non-citizens 2,866 11.6% 2.6%
Racial breakdown
White
29.3%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
57.4%
Other
11.3%
Value Percent
White 7,229 29.3%
Black or African American 54 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 395 1.6%
Asian 48 0.2%
Two or more races 14,195 57.4%
Other 2,788 11.3%

Households in San Benito

A peek inside San Benito households

San Benito has 8,351 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.2% are families, while the remaining 27.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,351
6.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,321
Family households
6,030
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,321 27.8% 10.1%
Family households 6,030 72.2% 5.0%
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 San Benito

The housing landscape of San Benito

San Benito's housing consists of 9,367 units, with 70.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 11.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,367
5.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,626 70.7%
1 unit, attached 265 2.8%
2 units 116 1.2%
3 or 4 units 515 5.5%
5 to 9 units 247 2.6%
10 to 19 units 255 2.7%
20 to 49 units 29 0.3%
50 or more units 182 1.9%
Mobile home 1,052 11.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 80 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
110
155.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in San Benito

In San Benito, the median construction year is 1987. About 4.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 454 4.8% 3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 257 2.7% -27.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,017 10.9% 17.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 491 5.2% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,487 15.9% -1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,345 14.4% -6.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,240 13.2% 31.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,746 18.6% 7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,220 13% 5.7%
Built in 2020 or later 110 1.2% 155.8%
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.

San Benito occupancy rates

Out of the 8,351 occupied housing units in San Benito, 66% are owner-occupied, while 34% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,351
6.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,836
Owner occupied
5,515
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,836 34% 13.8%
Owner occupied 5,515 66% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
10.8%
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.

San Benito housing costs

Housing costs in San Benito come to a median of $654 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $839.

Median housing costs per month
$654/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 San Benito
$839/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 San Benito

San Benito education at a glance

About 45.7% of the population in San Benito went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 9.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,651 14.8% -2.6%
High school diploma 8,187 45.7% 4.4%
College diploma 3,691 20.6% 1.2%
Associate degree 1,139 6.4% -14.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,638 9.1% 19.1%
Graduate degree 616 3.4% 0.3%
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 San Benito

How much people earn in San Benito

The average annual household income in San Benito was $56,298 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,639, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in San Benito
$56,298/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in San Benito
$43,639/year
5.3% year-over-year change

San Benito income by age

In San Benito, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,614 overall. Overall, 70.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,250 2.8%
45 - 64 $57,614 4.9%
Over 65 $42,134 20.2%
Above poverty level
17,022
Below poverty level
7,129
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,022 70.5% -2.4%
Below poverty level 7,129 29.5% 6.8%

Average renter income in San Benito

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in San Benito, their median household income was $26,106 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,106
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
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 San Benito

Workforce and job types in San Benito

The job market in San Benito is powered by 9,104 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 64.9% are employed by private companies, and 18.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,104
2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
6,880
Blue collar
2,224
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,880 75.6% 8.6%
Blue collar 2,224 24.4% -12.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
64.9%
Governmental workers
18.9%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 917 10.1% -11.9%
Private companies 5,912 64.9% -0.4%
Governmental workers 1,717 18.9% 20.7%
Not for profit companies 558 6.1% 17.2%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
40.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in San Benito stands at 7.3%, 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 San Benito

How people get around in San Benito

Commuting methods vary: 87.6% 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 7,930 87.6% 1.9%
Walk 91 1% 78.4%
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 San Benito by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78586 50,964 15,699 $45,575 $59,574

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FAQs about San Benito demographics 

What is the total population of San Benito?

San Benito has a total population of 24,709 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in San Benito?

The gender ratio in San Benito is as follows:
  • 52.2% males (12,894 residents)
  • 47.8% females (11,815 residents)

What is the median age in San Benito?

The median age in San Benito is 33.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in San Benito?

The age distribution in San Benito is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (5,270 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.6% (4,586 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (5,557 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (5,377 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (3,919 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of San Benito?

The racial and ethnic makeup of San Benito is as follows:
  • White: 29.3% (7,229 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (54 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (395 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (48 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 57.4% (14,195 residents)
  • Other: 11.3% (2,788 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.2% of the population in San Benito.

How many housing units are there in San Benito?

There are 9,367 housing units in San Benito, reflecting a +5.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

San Benito has a total of 8,351 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in San Benito?

San Benito has a median household income of $43,639, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for San Benito?

The employment rate is 92.7% in San Benito, with a workforce of 9,104 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.6% (6,880 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.4% (2,224 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (917 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.9% (5,912 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.9% (1,717 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (558 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