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

Total population
9,412
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,749/yr
-12.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,946
-0.1% year-over-year change

Zavala County population

How many people live in Zavala County

Zavala County is home to 9,412 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.6% of Zavala County locals are male, and 47.4% are female.

Total population
9,412
-1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.6%
4,947
Female
47.4%
4,465
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,947 52.6% -1.6%
Female 4,465 47.4% -0.9%
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 Zavala County is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.4% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.4%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,207 23.4% -2.2%
15 to 24 1,415 15% -9.8%
25 to 44 2,486 26.4% 4.8%
45 to 64 1,827 19.4% -2.0%
Over 65 1,477 15.7% 0.5%
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 Zavala County, 91.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 22.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 71.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,630 91.7% -3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 445 4.7% 18.4%
Non-citizens 337 3.6% 27.6%
Racial breakdown
White
22.1%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
71.4%
Other
5.1%
Value Percent
White 2,079 22.1%
Black or African American 79 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.1%
Asian 47 0.5%
Two or more races 6,718 71.4%
Other 480 5.1%

Households in Zavala County

A peek inside Zavala County households

Zavala County has 3,271 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.2% are families, while the remaining 23.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,271
-4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
778
Family households
2,493
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 778 23.8% 7.0%
Family households 2,493 76.2% -7.1%
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 Zavala County

The housing landscape of Zavala County

Zavala County's housing consists of 3,946 units, with 64.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 22.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,946
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,548 64.6%
1 unit, attached 67 1.7%
2 units 192 4.9%
3 or 4 units 145 3.7%
5 to 9 units 55 1.4%
10 to 19 units 33 0.8%
50 or more units 13 0.3%
Mobile home 886 22.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
12
-25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Zavala County

In Zavala County, the median construction year is 1979. About 10.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 398 10.1% 15.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 131 3.3% -57.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 211 5.4% -45.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 722 18.3% 30.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 544 13.8% 2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 434 11% -13.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 782 19.8% 6.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 130 3.3% -38.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 582 14.8% 58.6%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.3% -25.0%
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.

Zavala County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,271 occupied housing units in Zavala County, 69% are owner-occupied, while 31% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,271
-4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,013
Owner occupied
2,258
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,013 31% 2.3%
Owner occupied 2,258 69% -6.7%
Unoccupied housing units
17.1%
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.

Zavala County housing costs

Housing costs in Zavala County come to a median of $617 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $548.

Median housing costs per month
$617/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 Zavala County
$548/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 Zavala County

Zavala County education at a glance

About 44.9% of the population in Zavala County went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 10.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 966 14.5% 8.3%
High school diploma 2,989 44.9% -1.9%
College diploma 1,577 23.7% -8.6%
Associate degree 391 5.9% -8.2%
Bachelor's degree 678 10.2% 23.9%
Graduate degree 54 0.8% -35.7%
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 Zavala County

How much people earn in Zavala County

The average annual household income in Zavala County was $50,963 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,749, reflecting a -12.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Zavala County
$50,963/year
-8.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Zavala County
$36,749/year
-12.3% year-over-year change

Zavala County income by age

In Zavala County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $37,293. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $34,920 overall. Overall, 65.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $37,293 -23.1%
45 - 64 $34,920 -29.7%
Over 65 $40,339 3.3%
Above poverty level
6,096
Below poverty level
3,161
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,096 65.8% 3.3%
Below poverty level 3,161 34.2% -7.4%

Employment in Zavala County

Workforce and job types in Zavala County

The job market in Zavala County is powered by 3,726 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.4% run their own businesses, 61.7% are employed by private companies, and 16.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,726
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,410
Blue collar
1,316
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,410 64.7% 10.4%
Blue collar 1,316 35.3% -9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
16.4%
Private companies
61.7%
Governmental workers
16.8%
Not for profit companies
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 610 16.4% 16.2%
Private companies 2,300 61.7% 3.4%
Governmental workers 627 16.8% -16.1%
Not for profit companies 189 5.1% 34.0%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
-47.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Zavala County stands at 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 Zavala County

How people get around in Zavala County

Commuting methods vary: 86% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 3,069 86% 2.4%
Bicycle 121 3.4% 18.6%
Walk 108 3% -12.2%
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 Zavala County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78829 1,028 299 $28,517 $35,939
78839 7,091 2,544 $37,365 $53,177
78872 1,287 425 $39,659 $48,426

Explore more communities

FAQs about Zavala County demographics 

What is the total population of Zavala County?

Zavala County has a total population of 9,412 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 -1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Zavala County?

The gender ratio in Zavala County is as follows:
  • 52.6% males (4,947 residents)
  • 47.4% females (4,465 residents)

What is the median age in Zavala County?

The median age in Zavala County is 30.8.

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

The age distribution in Zavala County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.4% (2,207 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (1,415 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (2,486 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (1,827 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.7% (1,477 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Zavala County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Zavala County is as follows:
  • White: 22.1% (2,079 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (79 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (47 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 71.4% (6,718 residents)
  • Other: 5.1% (480 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.7% of the population in Zavala County.

How many housing units are there in Zavala County?

There are 3,946 housing units in Zavala County, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Zavala County has a total of 3,271 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Zavala County?

Zavala County has a median household income of $36,749, representing a -12.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96% in Zavala County, with a workforce of 3,726 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.7% (2,410 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.3% (1,316 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.4% (610 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.7% (2,300 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.8% (627 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.1% (189 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