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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Deaf Smith County: a median age of 31.4, younger than the national median. With 18,487 residents, Deaf Smith County is a county in Texas.
The typical household earns $54,114, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.4%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $116,000, with typical rent around $919.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 11.8%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 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+
Largest cities in Texas
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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.
Deaf Smith County, TX Climate
Deaf Smith County, TX has an average annual temperature of 13.1°C (56°F) and receives about 446 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.1°C
Avg Temp
446
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 12 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 16 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 19 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 22 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 48 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 73 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 61 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 77 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 53 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 34 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 19 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 12 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Deaf Smith County, TX
The most comfortable months to visit Deaf Smith County, TX are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Deaf Smith County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.