Starr County, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
66,067
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,639/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
23,139
0.6% year-over-year change

Starr County population

How many people live in Starr County

Starr County is home to 66,067 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Starr County locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
66,067
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
32,263
Female
51.2%
33,804
Value Percent YoY change
Male 32,263 48.8% 0.5%
Female 33,804 51.2% 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 Starr County is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 27.4% are children under 15, then 16.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 20% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
27.4%
15 to 24
16.3%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
20%
Over 65
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,070 27.4% -0.5%
15 to 24 10,798 16.3% -1.2%
25 to 44 16,493 25% 0.8%
45 to 64 13,187 20% 1.7%
Over 65 7,519 11.4% 1.8%
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 Starr County, 71.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 32.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 53% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.5%
Non-citizens
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 47,105 71.3% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,912 10.5% 6.7%
Non-citizens 12,050 18.2% -4.5%
Racial breakdown
White
32.9%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
53%
Other
13.5%
Value Percent
White 21,731 32.9%
Black or African American 280 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 90 0.1%
Asian 38 0.1%
Two or more races 35,021 53%
Other 8,907 13.5%

Households in Starr County

A peek inside Starr County households

Starr County has 19,157 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 78.1% are families, while the remaining 21.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,157
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,188
Family households
14,969
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,188 21.9% 3.7%
Family households 14,969 78.1% 2.1%
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 Starr County

The housing landscape of Starr County

Starr County's housing consists of 23,139 units, with 79.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 9.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
23,139
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 18,405 79.5%
1 unit, attached 177 0.8%
2 units 669 2.9%
3 or 4 units 405 1.8%
5 to 9 units 361 1.6%
10 to 19 units 477 2.1%
20 to 49 units 137 0.6%
50 or more units 165 0.7%
Mobile home 2,297 9.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 46 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
370
87.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Starr County

In Starr County, the median construction year is 1994. About 1.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 256 1.1% -8.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 359 1.6% 33.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 399 1.7% -22.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,242 5.4% -15.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,288 9.9% -4.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,906 21.2% 1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,867 21% -2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,641 20.1% -0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,811 16.5% 11.3%
Built in 2020 or later 370 1.6% 87.8%
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.

Starr County occupancy rates

Out of the 19,157 occupied housing units in Starr County, 69.5% are owner-occupied, while 30.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,157
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,837
Owner occupied
13,320
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,837 30.5% 9.9%
Owner occupied 13,320 69.5% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
17.2%
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.

Starr County housing costs

Housing costs in Starr County come to a median of $494 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $726.

Median housing costs per month
$494/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 Starr County
$726/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 Starr County

Starr County education at a glance

About 38.2% of the population in Starr County went to high school, while 20% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,348 23.2% -2.9%
High school diploma 17,047 38.2% 3.0%
College diploma 8,925 20% -2.0%
Associate degree 2,669 6% 11.1%
Bachelor's degree 3,713 8.3% -4.5%
Graduate degree 1,893 4.2% 15.7%
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 Starr County

How much people earn in Starr County

The average annual household income in Starr County was $58,715 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,639, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Starr County
$58,715/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Starr County
$37,639/year
-1.4% year-over-year change

Starr County income by age

In Starr County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,932. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $42,064 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,085, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $22,365 in earnings. Overall, 66.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,085 33.5%
25 - 44 $46,932 -0.9%
45 - 64 $42,064 -0.8%
Over 65 $22,365 3.2%
Above poverty level
43,182
Below poverty level
21,473
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 43,182 66.8% 0.6%
Below poverty level 21,473 33.2% 0.8%

Employment in Starr County

Workforce and job types in Starr County

The job market in Starr County is powered by 23,958 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.4% run their own businesses, 56.6% are employed by private companies, and 26.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,958
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
16,615
Blue collar
7,343
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,615 69.4% 0.8%
Blue collar 7,343 30.6% -3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
13.4%
Private companies
56.6%
Governmental workers
26.8%
Not for profit companies
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,204 13.4% 4.3%
Private companies 13,570 56.6% -5.3%
Governmental workers 6,421 26.8% 9.5%
Not for profit companies 763 3.2% -7.6%
Unemployment rate
10.4%
-4.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Starr County stands at 10.4%, 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 Starr County

How people get around in Starr County

In Starr County, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-7.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,805 84.6% -1.6%
Walk 871 3.7% 12.4%
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 Starr County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78582 44,741 12,795 $42,626 $60,647
78584 18,464 5,402 $27,056 $56,124
78588 289 67 $94,821 $99,748
78591 158 76 $35,750 $54,125
78536 371 117 $28,393 $45,266
78545 392 175 $24,550 $39,446
78548 1,341 410 $37,308 $48,730

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FAQs about Starr County demographics 

What is the total population of Starr County?

Starr County has a total population of 66,067 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Starr County?

The gender ratio in Starr County is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (32,263 residents)
  • 51.2% females (33,804 residents)

What is the median age in Starr County?

The median age in Starr County is 29.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Starr County?

The age distribution in Starr County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 27.4% (18,070 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.3% (10,798 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (16,493 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20% (13,187 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.4% (7,519 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Starr County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Starr County is as follows:
  • White: 32.9% (21,731 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (280 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (90 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (38 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 53% (35,021 residents)
  • Other: 13.5% (8,907 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 71.3% of the population in Starr County.

How many housing units are there in Starr County?

There are 23,139 housing units in Starr County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Starr County has a total of 19,157 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Starr County?

Starr County has a median household income of $37,639, representing a -1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Starr County?

The employment rate is 89.6% in Starr County, with a workforce of 23,958 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.4% (16,615 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.6% (7,343 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.4% (3,204 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.6% (13,570 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.8% (6,421 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.2% (763 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