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Population Review

Harris County, Texas Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Texas

The population of Harris County, Texas is 4,758,579 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $73,104, the median home value is $255,000, and the median age is 34.4.

The population of Harris County has grown 22.0% since 2010 (4,107,542 → 5,009,302), a +1.43% annualized rate.

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

4,758,579

Population

+1.43%

Annual growth

2787

People / sq mi

$73,104

Median Income

$255,000

Median Home Value

Harris County covers 1,707 sq mi of land at 2787.2 people per square mile.

About Harris County, TX

Harris County is a county in Texas with a population of 4,758,579. It ranks #1 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 34.4, younger than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.

The median household income in Harris County is $73,104, near the US median of $74,580. 12.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $255,000, with monthly rent averaging $1,349. The homeownership rate of 54.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Harris County reflects 33.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.4% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.0 minutes each way.

Harris County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Harris County had a population of 4,107,542 in 2010 and 5,009,302 in 2024, a 22.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,009,302 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.43%.

2024 · 5.0M20102024

5,009,302

Population (2024)

4,107,542

Population (2010)

5,009,302

Peak (2024)

1.43%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20104,107,542
20114,179,279
20124,262,549
20134,352,419
20144,454,951
20154,556,559
20164,622,836
20174,655,798
20184,676,913
20194,709,243
20204,735,383
20214,736,633
20224,806,747
20234,903,450
20245,009,302

Race & Ethnicity

White40.1%
Black or African American19.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

34.4

Median Age

50.3%

Female

49.7%

Male

11.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.9%
5–9
7.2%
10–14
7.5%
15–19
7.1%
20–24
6.7%
25–34
15.5%
35–44
14.5%
45–54
12.5%
55–59
5.6%
60–64
5.2%
65–74
7.3%
75–84
3.1%
85+
1.0%

Children (under 15): 21.6% · Seniors (65+): 11.4%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$73,104$-3,188 vs state
Mean household income$108,784
Per-capita income$39,978
Poverty rate12.8%+2.3% vs state
Unemployment rate4.3%
Employment-to-population63.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
20.0%
Finance & real estate
13.7%
Construction
10.3%
Manufacturing
9.1%
Education & health care
8.6%
Retail trade
7.2%
Information
6.0%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.2%

The largest employment sector in Harris County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.0% of workers.

How residents commute

2.1%

Drive alone

1.4%

Carpool

72.4%

Public transit

11.4%

Work from home

29.0 min

Avg commute

Housing

$255,000$-5,400 vs state

Median home value

$1,349

Median rent

54.8%

Homeownership rate

1,884,607

Total housing units

91.7%

Occupied

8.3%

Vacant

45.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

78.8%

With health insurance

96.1%

With broadband internet

19.2%

Foreign-born

4.4%

Veterans (18+)

10.5%

With a disability

55.3%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

82.5%

High School+

33.7%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Texas

Other counties in Texas

Part of Texas

Metro areas in Texas

County rankings

Common questions about Harris County, TX

Frequently Asked Questions

Harris County, Texas has a population of 4,758,579 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Texas. Population density is 2787 people per square mile.

The population of Harris County has grown 22.0% since 2010 (4,107,542 → 5,009,302), a +1.43% annualized rate.

The median household income in Harris County, Texas is $73,104, with mean (average) household income of $108,784 and per-capita income of $39,978. 12.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Harris County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (40.1%), Black or African American (19.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Harris County, Texas is 34.4 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

The median home value in Harris County is $255,000 and median monthly rent is $1,349. 54.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,884,607 total housing units, 8.3% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Harris County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.

Houston is among the largest cities associated with Harris 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.