Shepherd, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,189
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,750/yr
11.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,078
13.0% year-over-year change

Shepherd population

How many people live in Shepherd

Shepherd is home to 2,189 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Shepherd locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
2,189
3.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
1,049
Female
52.1%
1,140
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,049 47.9% 2.0%
Female 1,140 52.1% 4.0%
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 Shepherd is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.5% are children under 15, then 15.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.5%
15 to 24
15.7%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 339 15.5% -25.0%
15 to 24 343 15.7% 33.0%
25 to 44 510 23.3% -9.4%
45 to 64 572 26.1% 2.9%
Over 65 425 19.4% 44.1%
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 Shepherd, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 13.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,036 93% 3.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27 1.2% -18.2%
Non-citizens 126 5.8% -0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
67%
Black or African American
13.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.5%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 1,467 67%
Black or African American 289 13.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 66 3%
Two or more races 295 13.5%
Other 72 3.3%

Households in Shepherd

A peek inside Shepherd households

Shepherd has 802 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.3% are families, while the remaining 23.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
802
15.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
190
Family households
612
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 190 23.7% 6.2%
Family households 612 76.3% 18.6%
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 Shepherd

The housing landscape of Shepherd

Shepherd's housing consists of 1,078 units, with 55% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 25.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,078
13.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 593 55%
1 unit, attached 4 0.4%
2 units 11 1%
3 or 4 units 173 16%
5 to 9 units 2 0.2%
10 to 19 units 13 1.2%
20 to 49 units 5 0.5%
Mobile home 277 25.7%
Homes built since 2020
37
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shepherd

In Shepherd, the median construction year is 1983. About 2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 22 2% -56.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 2.9% 10.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 81 7.5% 76.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 110 10.2% 54.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 259 24% -6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 139 12.9% 2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 177 16.4% 22.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 140 13% 15.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 82 7.6% 3.8%
Built in 2020 or later 37 3.4% N/A
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.

Shepherd occupancy rates

Out of the 802 occupied housing units in Shepherd, 65.6% are owner-occupied, while 34.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
802
15.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
276
Owner occupied
526
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 276 34.4% -2.8%
Owner occupied 526 65.6% 28.0%
Unoccupied housing units
25.6%
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.

Shepherd housing costs

Housing costs in Shepherd come to a median of $835 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $667.

Median housing costs per month
$835/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 Shepherd
$667/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 Shepherd

Shepherd education at a glance

About 52.9% of the population in Shepherd went to high school, while 27.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 4.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 69 4.1% -2.8%
High school diploma 894 52.9% 2.6%
College diploma 463 27.4% 10.8%
Associate degree 124 7.3% 69.9%
Bachelor's degree 72 4.3% 7.5%
Graduate degree 67 4% 3.1%
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 Shepherd

How much people earn in Shepherd

The average annual household income in Shepherd was $69,475 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,750, reflecting a +11.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shepherd
$69,475/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shepherd
$53,750/year
11.1% year-over-year change

Shepherd income by age

In Shepherd, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,516. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $47,714 overall. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $73,516 2.7%
45 - 64 $47,714 12.0%
Over 65 $57,902 0.4%
Above poverty level
1,774
Below poverty level
356
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,774 83.3% 5.3%
Below poverty level 356 16.7% -5.1%

Average renter income in Shepherd

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shepherd, their median household income was $30,324 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,324
Rent-to-income ratio
26.4%
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 Shepherd

Workforce and job types in Shepherd

The job market in Shepherd is powered by 784 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.7% run their own businesses, 63.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
784
5.1% year-over-year change
White collar
592
Blue collar
192
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 592 75.5% 12.3%
Blue collar 192 24.5% -12.3%
Employer type
Self employees
17.7%
Private companies
63.3%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 139 17.7% 7.8%
Private companies 496 63.3% 2.5%
Governmental workers 116 14.8% 1.8%
Not for profit companies 33 4.2% 73.7%
Unemployment rate
13.4%
51.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shepherd stands at 13.4%, 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 Shepherd

How people get around in Shepherd

Commuting methods vary: 83% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 636 83% -2.1%
Bicycle 4 0.5% 33.3%
Walk 2 0.3% -50.0%
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 Shepherd by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77371 7,800 2,696 $83,594 $84,051

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FAQs about Shepherd demographics 

What is the total population of Shepherd?

Shepherd has a total population of 2,189 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 +3.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shepherd?

The gender ratio in Shepherd is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (1,049 residents)
  • 52.1% females (1,140 residents)

What is the median age in Shepherd?

The median age in Shepherd is 39.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shepherd?

The age distribution in Shepherd is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.5% (339 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.7% (343 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (510 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (572 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (425 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherd?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherd is as follows:
  • White: 67% (1,467 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.2% (289 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3% (66 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.5% (295 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (72 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Shepherd.

How many housing units are there in Shepherd?

There are 1,078 housing units in Shepherd, reflecting a +13.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shepherd has a total of 802 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shepherd?

Shepherd has a median household income of $53,750, representing a +11.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.6% in Shepherd, with a workforce of 784 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.5% (592 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.5% (192 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.7% (139 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.3% (496 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (116 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (33 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