Wharton, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,724
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,212/yr
22.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,885
0.6% year-over-year change

Wharton population

How many people live in Wharton

Wharton is home to 8,724 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Wharton locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
8,724
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
4,304
Female
50.7%
4,420
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,304 49.3% 9.9%
Female 4,420 50.7% -7.0%
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 Wharton is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 18.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
18.2%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,680 19.3% -7.0%
15 to 24 1,584 18.2% 35.9%
25 to 44 1,896 21.7% -23.9%
45 to 64 2,201 25.2% 22.1%
Over 65 1,363 15.6% -2.9%
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 Wharton, 88.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 43.3% of locals are Caucasian, 23.2% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 18.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,701 88.3% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 378 4.3% 37.0%
Non-citizens 645 7.4% 14.2%
Racial breakdown
White
43.3%
Black or African American
23.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
18.8%
Other
12.4%
Value Percent
White 3,777 43.3%
Black or African American 2,024 23.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 86 1%
Asian 113 1.3%
Two or more races 1,644 18.8%
Other 1,080 12.4%

Households in Wharton

A peek inside Wharton households

Wharton has 3,403 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.9% are families, while the remaining 37.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,403
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,262
Family households
2,141
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,262 37.1% -14.3%
Family households 2,141 62.9% 14.9%
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 Wharton

The housing landscape of Wharton

Wharton's housing consists of 3,885 units, with 64.4% 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 3.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,885
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,502 64.4%
1 unit, attached 32 0.8%
2 units 61 1.6%
3 or 4 units 270 7%
5 to 9 units 363 9.3%
10 to 19 units 290 7.5%
20 to 49 units 52 1.3%
50 or more units 190 4.9%
Mobile home 121 3.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
24
166.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wharton

In Wharton, the median construction year is 1977. About 2.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 84 2.2% -44.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 180 4.6% -31.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 521 13.4% 14.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 448 11.5% 23.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,051 27% 7.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 500 12.9% 2.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 377 9.7% -24.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 333 8.6% 64.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 367 9.4% -19.9%
Built in 2020 or later 24 0.6% 166.7%
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.

Wharton occupancy rates

Out of the 3,403 occupied housing units in Wharton, 54.3% are owner-occupied, while 45.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,403
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,555
Owner occupied
1,848
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,555 45.7% -13.3%
Owner occupied 1,848 54.3% 19.8%
Unoccupied housing units
12.4%
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.

Wharton housing costs

Housing costs in Wharton come to a median of $1,006 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,051.

Median housing costs per month
$1,006/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 Wharton
$1,051/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 Wharton

Wharton education at a glance

About 48.6% of the population in Wharton went to high school, while 24% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 9.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 388 5.8% 0.8%
High school diploma 3,258 48.6% -4.7%
College diploma 1,609 24% -5.0%
Associate degree 578 8.6% 47.1%
Bachelor's degree 607 9.1% 25.9%
Graduate degree 260 3.9% -21.7%
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 Wharton

How much people earn in Wharton

The average annual household income in Wharton was $71,836 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +13.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,212, reflecting a +22.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wharton
$71,836/year
13.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wharton
$58,212/year
22.1% year-over-year change

Wharton income by age

In Wharton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,912 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $73,645, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,349 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $73,645 N/A
25 - 44 $60,000 47.0%
45 - 64 $71,912 28.9%
Over 65 $39,349 0.3%
Above poverty level
7,204
Below poverty level
951
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,204 88.3% 10.7%
Below poverty level 951 11.7% -45.6%

Average renter income in Wharton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wharton, their median household income was $29,072 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,072
Rent-to-income ratio
43.4%
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 Wharton

Workforce and job types in Wharton

The job market in Wharton is powered by 3,979 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 72% are employed by private companies, and 15.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,979
4.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,596
Blue collar
1,383
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,596 65.2% -1.8%
Blue collar 1,383 34.8% 18.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
72%
Governmental workers
15.5%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 303 7.6% -24.8%
Private companies 2,864 72% 11.5%
Governmental workers 615 15.5% -6.4%
Not for profit companies 197 5% 10.7%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
-3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wharton stands at 6.2%, 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 Wharton

How people get around in Wharton

Commuting methods vary: 86.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% 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 3,439 86.6% 6.0%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 191 4.8% 274.5%
Walk 133 3.4% 4.7%
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 Wharton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77488 14,548 5,665 $60,327 $80,866

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FAQs about Wharton demographics 

What is the total population of Wharton?

Wharton has a total population of 8,724 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wharton?

The gender ratio in Wharton is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (4,304 residents)
  • 50.7% females (4,420 residents)

What is the median age in Wharton?

The median age in Wharton is 35.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wharton?

The age distribution in Wharton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (1,680 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.2% (1,584 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (1,896 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (2,201 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (1,363 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wharton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wharton is as follows:
  • White: 43.3% (3,777 residents)
  • Black or African American: 23.2% (2,024 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (86 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (113 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.8% (1,644 residents)
  • Other: 12.4% (1,080 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.3% of the population in Wharton.

How many housing units are there in Wharton?

There are 3,885 housing units in Wharton, 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 Wharton and what is the average household size?

Wharton has a total of 3,403 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wharton?

Wharton has a median household income of $58,212, representing a +22.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Wharton, with a workforce of 3,979 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.2% (2,596 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.8% (1,383 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (303 residents)
  • Private companies: 72% (2,864 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.5% (615 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (197 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