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Population Review

Jefferson County, Texas Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in Texas

The population of Jefferson County, Texas is 253,939 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $59,934, the median home value is $159,600, and the median age is 37.1.

The population of Jefferson County has grown 0.6% since 2010 (252,457 → 253,948), a +0.04% annualized rate.

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

253,939

Population

+0.04%

Annual growth

290

People / sq mi

$59,934

Median Income

$159,600

Median Home Value

Jefferson County covers 877 sq mi of land at 289.6 people per square mile.

About Jefferson County, TX

Remote work is unusually rare in Jefferson County: 3.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Jefferson County is a county in Texas with a population of 253,939. It ranks #22 among counties in Texas by population.

Median household income is $59,934, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.4%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $159,600, with typical rent around $1,079.

Roughly 19.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.1%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.

Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Jefferson County had a population of 252,457 in 2010 and 253,948 in 2024, a 0.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 256,172 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.05%.

2020 · 256K20102024
Jefferson County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

253,948

Population (2024)

252,457

Population (2010)

256,172

Peak (2020)

0.05%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010252,457
2011253,500
2012251,617
2013253,091
2014252,896
2015255,115
2016255,696
2017255,889
2018252,655
2019251,315
2020256,172
2021253,784
2022252,095
2023253,392
2024253,948

Race & Ethnicity

White44.1%
Black or African American33.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.1

Median Age

48.5%

Female

51.5%

Male

15.2%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.7%
5–9
6.9%
10–14
7.0%
15–19
6.3%
20–24
6.4%
25–34
14.1%
35–44
13.5%
45–54
11.7%
55–59
5.9%
60–64
6.4%
65–74
9.1%
75–84
4.3%
85+
1.8%

Children (under 15): 20.6% · Seniors (65+): 15.2%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$59,934$-16,358 vs state
Mean household income$84,558
Per-capita income$31,855
Poverty rate15.4%+4.9% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population52.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.3%
Construction
12.1%
Manufacturing
11.1%
Finance & real estate
9.4%
Education & health care
9.1%
Retail trade
5.9%
Public administration
5.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.2%

The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.

How residents commute

0.5%

Drive alone

1.1%

Carpool

86.7%

Public transit

3.1%

Work from home

21.0 min

Avg commute

Housing

$159,600$-100,800 vs state

Median home value

$1,079

Median rent

61.8%

Homeownership rate

109,351

Total housing units

85.6%

Occupied

14.4%

Vacant

38.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

78.7%

With health insurance

95.1%

With broadband internet

17.8%

Foreign-born

6.8%

Veterans (18+)

14.7%

With a disability

76.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

84.9%

High School+

19.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Texas

Other counties in Texas

Part of Texas

Metro areas in Texas

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson County, Texas has a population of 253,939 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in Texas. Population density is 290 people per square mile.

The population of Jefferson County has grown 0.6% since 2010 (252,457 → 253,948), a +0.04% annualized rate.

The median household income in Jefferson County, Texas is $59,934, with mean (average) household income of $84,558 and per-capita income of $31,855. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (44.1%), Black or African American (33.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Jefferson County, Texas is 37.1 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.

The median home value in Jefferson County is $159,600 and median monthly rent is $1,079. 61.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 109,351 total housing units, 14.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Houston is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.


Jefferson County, TX Climate

Jefferson County, TX has an average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F) and receives about 1419 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

20°C

Avg Temp

1419

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

0°10°20°30°156mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Jefferson County, TX — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January11° / 51°121 mm
February13° / 55°85 mm
March16° / 62°83 mm
April20° / 68°89 mm
May24° / 75°134 mm
June27° / 80°145 mm
July28° / 82°132 mm
August28° / 82°128 mm
September26° / 78°156 mm
October21° / 70°109 mm
November16° / 61°117 mm
December12° / 54°120 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 Jefferson County, TX

The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson County, TX are typically October, April and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 6°C low). September is usually the wettest month.

OctoberAprilMarch

Where to stay near Jefferson County

Visiting or relocating to Jefferson County, TX? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Jefferson County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.