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.
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
What distinguishes Harris County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 2,787 people per square mile. Harris County is a county in Texas with a population of 4,758,579. It is the #1-largest of all counties in Texas nationally.
Households take in a median $73,104, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.8%, close to the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $255,000, with typical rent around $1,349.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 33.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. A solid 11.4% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Harris County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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%.
5,009,302
Population (2024)
4,107,542
Population (2010)
5,009,302
Peak (2024)
1.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,107,542 |
| 2011 | 4,179,279 |
| 2012 | 4,262,549 |
| 2013 | 4,352,419 |
| 2014 | 4,454,951 |
| 2015 | 4,556,559 |
| 2016 | 4,622,836 |
| 2017 | 4,655,798 |
| 2018 | 4,676,913 |
| 2019 | 4,709,243 |
| 2020 | 4,735,383 |
| 2021 | 4,736,633 |
| 2022 | 4,806,747 |
| 2023 | 4,903,450 |
| 2024 | 5,009,302 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 40.1% |
| Black or African American | 19.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.4
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
11.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 12.8%+2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
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+
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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.
Harris County, TX Climate
Harris County, TX has an average annual temperature of 20.7°C (69°F) and receives about 1191 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.7°C
Avg Temp
1191
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11° / 52° | 89 mm |
| February | 13° / 56° | 77 mm |
| March | 17° / 63° | 70 mm |
| April | 21° / 69° | 79 mm |
| May | 24° / 76° | 125 mm |
| June | 27° / 81° | 136 mm |
| July | 29° / 83° | 98 mm |
| August | 29° / 83° | 97 mm |
| September | 26° / 79° | 128 mm |
| October | 22° / 71° | 101 mm |
| November | 17° / 62° | 100 mm |
| December | 13° / 55° | 91 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 Harris County, TX
The most comfortable months to visit Harris County, TX are typically April, October and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 6°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Harris County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.