Deaf Smith County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 128th-largest in Texas
The population of Deaf Smith County, Texas is 18,487 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 128th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $54,114, the median home value is $116,000, and the median age is 31.4.
The population of Deaf Smith County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (19,465 → 18,495), a -0.36% annualized rate.
18,487
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$54,114
Median Income
$116,000
Median Home Value
Deaf Smith County covers 1,497 sq mi of land at 12.4 people per square mile.
About Deaf Smith County, TX
Deaf Smith County is a county in Texas with a population of 18,487. It ranks #128 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 31.4, younger than the national median. The population is 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
The median household income in Deaf Smith County is $54,114, below the US median of $74,580. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $116,000, with monthly rent averaging $919. The homeownership rate of 65.9% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Deaf Smith County reflects 11.8% 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 16.8 minutes each way.
Deaf Smith County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Deaf Smith County had a population of 19,465 in 2010 and 18,495 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,519 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
18,495
Population (2024)
19,465
Population (2010)
19,519
Peak (2011)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,465 |
| 2011 | 19,519 |
| 2012 | 19,369 |
| 2013 | 19,174 |
| 2014 | 19,116 |
| 2015 | 18,819 |
| 2016 | 18,823 |
| 2017 | 18,742 |
| 2018 | 18,686 |
| 2019 | 18,559 |
| 2020 | 18,527 |
| 2021 | 18,383 |
| 2022 | 18,433 |
| 2023 | 18,460 |
| 2024 | 18,495 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
31.4
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
13.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 26.4% · Seniors (65+): 13.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $54,114$-22,178 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,959 |
| Per-capita income | $24,087 |
| Poverty rate | 12.4%+1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Deaf Smith County is manufacturing, accounting for 20.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
79.2%
Public transit
3.3%
Work from home
16.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$116,000$-144,400 vs state
Median home value
$919
Median rent
65.9%
Homeownership rate
6,993
Total housing units
85.4%
Occupied
14.6%
Vacant
34.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
79.6%
With health insurance
93.8%
With broadband internet
10.7%
Foreign-born
3.3%
Veterans (18+)
8.2%
With a disability
43.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
71.4%
High School+
11.8%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Deaf Smith County, Texas has a population of 18,487 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 128th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Deaf Smith County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (19,465 → 18,495), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Deaf Smith County, Texas is $54,114, with mean (average) household income of $71,959 and per-capita income of $24,087. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Deaf Smith County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.8%), Black or African American (1.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Deaf Smith County, Texas is 31.4 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Deaf Smith County is $116,000 and median monthly rent is $919. 65.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,993 total housing units, 14.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Deaf Smith County, Texas is manufacturing, employing 20.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Deaf Smith 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.