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Population Review

Dawson County, Texas Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 152nd-largest in Texas

The population of Dawson County, Texas is 12,311 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 152nd-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $55,789, the median home value is $90,800, and the median age is 34.6.

The population of Dawson County has declined 15.0% since 2010 (13,826 → 11,758), a -1.15% annualized rate.

Dawson County within Texas · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

12,311

Population

-1.15%

Annual growth

14

People / sq mi

$55,789

Median Income

$90,800

Median Home Value

Dawson County covers 900 sq mi of land at 13.7 people per square mile.

About Dawson County, TX

Dawson County is a county in Texas with a population of 12,311. It ranks #152 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 34.6, younger than the national median. The population is 58.3% male and 41.7% female.

The median household income in Dawson County is $55,789, below the US median of $74,580. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $90,800, with monthly rent averaging $873. The homeownership rate of 69.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Dawson County reflects 14.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.

Dawson County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Dawson County had a population of 13,826 in 2010 and 11,758 in 2024, a -15.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,826 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.13%.

2010 · 14K20102024

11,758

Population (2024)

13,826

Population (2010)

13,826

Peak (2010)

-1.13%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201013,826
201113,750
201213,614
201313,224
201413,451
201513,000
201613,000
201712,734
201812,551
201912,985
202012,472
202112,367
202212,171
202311,903
202411,758

Race & Ethnicity

White54.6%
Black or African American7.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

34.6

Median Age

41.7%

Female

58.3%

Male

13.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.6%
5–9
6.9%
10–14
6.6%
15–19
6.2%
20–24
8.4%
25–34
16.3%
35–44
14.0%
45–54
10.5%
55–59
5.4%
60–64
5.6%
65–74
7.6%
75–84
4.4%
85+
1.6%

Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 13.6%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$55,789$-20,503 vs state
Mean household income$73,403
Per-capita income$26,182
Poverty rate15.9%+5.4% vs state
Unemployment rate4.1%
Employment-to-population48.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.6%
Agriculture
19.6%
Construction
11.1%
Education & health care
9.4%
Retail trade
7.5%
Finance & real estate
6.2%
Public administration
4.2%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.9%

The largest employment sector in Dawson County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.6% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

1.0%

Carpool

72.2%

Public transit

3.3%

Work from home

22.1 min

Avg commute

Housing

$90,800$-169,600 vs state

Median home value

$873

Median rent

69.9%

Homeownership rate

4,892

Total housing units

84.9%

Occupied

15.1%

Vacant

30.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

77.6%

With health insurance

91.0%

With broadband internet

10.6%

Foreign-born

3.8%

Veterans (18+)

15.9%

With a disability

64.7%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

72.3%

High School+

14.5%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Texas

Other counties in Texas

Part of Texas

Metro areas in Texas

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Dawson County, Texas has a population of 12,311 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 152nd-largest county in Texas. Population density is 14 people per square mile.

The population of Dawson County has declined 15.0% since 2010 (13,826 → 11,758), a -1.15% annualized rate.

The median household income in Dawson County, Texas is $55,789, with mean (average) household income of $73,403 and per-capita income of $26,182. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Dawson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (54.6%), Black or African American (7.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Dawson County, Texas is 34.6 years. Residents are 41.7% female and 58.3% male.

The median home value in Dawson County is $90,800 and median monthly rent is $873. 69.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,892 total housing units, 15.1% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Dawson County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.

Houston is among the largest cities associated with Dawson County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.