Sour Lake, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,130
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,241/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
936
11.8% year-over-year change

Sour Lake population

How many people live in Sour Lake

Sour Lake is home to 2,130 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Sour Lake locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
2,130
-1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
1,048
Female
50.8%
1,082
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,048 49.2% -0.6%
Female 1,082 50.8% -2.4%
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 Sour Lake is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 27.2% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
27.2%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 579 27.2% -14.7%
15 to 24 199 9.3% -2.9%
25 to 44 559 26.2% -4.8%
45 to 64 480 22.5% 9.1%
Over 65 313 14.7% 24.7%
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 Sour Lake, 93.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.8%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,983 93.1% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 102 4.8% -5.6%
Non-citizens 45 2.1% 12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
86.2%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.1%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 1,837 86.2%
Black or African American 6 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.2%
Asian 55 2.6%
Two or more races 87 4.1%
Other 140 6.6%

Households in Sour Lake

A peek inside Sour Lake households

Sour Lake has 798 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79.3% are families, while the remaining 20.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
798
9.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
165
Family households
633
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 165 20.7% -1.2%
Family households 633 79.3% 12.4%
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 Sour Lake

The housing landscape of Sour Lake

Sour Lake's housing consists of 936 units, with 72.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% 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 17.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
936
11.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 676 72.2%
1 unit, attached 19 2%
2 units 3 0.3%
3 or 4 units 10 1.1%
5 to 9 units 37 4%
10 to 19 units 12 1.3%
Mobile home 162 17.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 17 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
30
150.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sour Lake

In Sour Lake, the median construction year is 1979. About 6.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.9% 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 57 6.1% 54.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 72 7.7% -8.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 98 10.5% 8.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 152 16.2% 8.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 99 10.6% 4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 149 15.9% 43.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 45 4.8% -8.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 85 9.1% 3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 149 15.9% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 30 3.2% 150.0%
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.

Sour Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 798 occupied housing units in Sour Lake, 70.6% are owner-occupied, while 29.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
798
9.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
235
Owner occupied
563
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 235 29.4% -8.2%
Owner occupied 563 70.6% 18.8%
Unoccupied housing units
14.7%
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.

Sour Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Sour Lake come to a median of $1,143 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,286.

Median housing costs per month
$1,143/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 Sour Lake
$1,286/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 Sour Lake

Sour Lake education at a glance

About 47.1% of the population in Sour Lake went to high school, while 21.3% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 17.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 72 5% -2.7%
High school diploma 686 47.1% 0.9%
College diploma 310 21.3% 11.1%
Associate degree 83 5.7% 45.6%
Bachelor's degree 251 17.2% 8.2%
Graduate degree 54 3.7% -8.5%
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 Sour Lake

How much people earn in Sour Lake

The average annual household income in Sour Lake was $87,626 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,241, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sour Lake
$87,626/year
-3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sour Lake
$73,241/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Sour Lake income by age

In Sour Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,859. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,938 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,083 in earnings. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,750 2.0%
25 - 44 $96,859 2.5%
45 - 64 $65,938 -0.5%
Over 65 $60,083 N/A
Above poverty level
1,839
Below poverty level
251
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,839 88% 1.5%
Below poverty level 251 12% -11.6%

Employment in Sour Lake

Workforce and job types in Sour Lake

The job market in Sour Lake is powered by 925 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.2% run their own businesses, 62.6% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
925
4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
705
Blue collar
220
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 705 76.2% 2.5%
Blue collar 220 23.8% 10.6%
Employer type
Self employees
16.2%
Private companies
62.6%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 150 16.2% 4.9%
Private companies 579 62.6% 5.1%
Governmental workers 128 13.8% -24.7%
Not for profit companies 68 7.4% 195.7%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
38.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sour Lake stands at 6.6%, 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 Sour Lake

How people get around in Sour Lake

Commuting methods vary: 84.7% 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 778 84.7% 0.7%
Walk 9 1% 28.6%
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 Sour Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77659 5,650 1,971 $110,590 $117,768

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FAQs about Sour Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Sour Lake?

Sour Lake has a total population of 2,130 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 -1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sour Lake?

The gender ratio in Sour Lake is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (1,048 residents)
  • 50.8% females (1,082 residents)

What is the median age in Sour Lake?

The median age in Sour Lake is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sour Lake?

The age distribution in Sour Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 27.2% (579 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (199 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (559 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (480 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.7% (313 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sour Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sour Lake is as follows:
  • White: 86.2% (1,837 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (55 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.1% (87 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (140 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.1% of the population in Sour Lake.

How many housing units are there in Sour Lake?

There are 936 housing units in Sour Lake, reflecting a +11.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sour Lake has a total of 798 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sour Lake?

Sour Lake has a median household income of $73,241, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sour Lake?

The employment rate is 93.4% in Sour Lake, with a workforce of 925 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.2% (705 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.8% (220 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.2% (150 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.6% (579 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (128 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (68 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