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.
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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.6% of the population. Dawson County is a county in Texas with a population of 12,311.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $55,789, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $90,800, with typical rent around $873.
College attainment is 14.5%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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%.
11,758
Population (2024)
13,826
Population (2010)
13,826
Peak (2010)
-1.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,826 |
| 2011 | 13,750 |
| 2012 | 13,614 |
| 2013 | 13,224 |
| 2014 | 13,451 |
| 2015 | 13,000 |
| 2016 | 13,000 |
| 2017 | 12,734 |
| 2018 | 12,551 |
| 2019 | 12,985 |
| 2020 | 12,472 |
| 2021 | 12,367 |
| 2022 | 12,171 |
| 2023 | 11,903 |
| 2024 | 11,758 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 54.6% |
| Black or African American | 7.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.6
Median Age
41.7%
Female
58.3%
Male
13.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 15.9%+5.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.