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.
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
Jefferson County is a county in Texas with a population of 253,939. It ranks #22 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 37.1, younger than the national median. The population is 51.5% male and 48.5% female.
The median household income in Jefferson County is $59,934, below the US median of $74,580. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $159,600, with monthly rent averaging $1,079. The homeownership rate of 61.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Jefferson County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.0 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%.
253,948
Population (2024)
252,457
Population (2010)
256,172
Peak (2020)
0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 252,457 |
| 2011 | 253,500 |
| 2012 | 251,617 |
| 2013 | 253,091 |
| 2014 | 252,896 |
| 2015 | 255,115 |
| 2016 | 255,696 |
| 2017 | 255,889 |
| 2018 | 252,655 |
| 2019 | 251,315 |
| 2020 | 256,172 |
| 2021 | 253,784 |
| 2022 | 252,095 |
| 2023 | 253,392 |
| 2024 | 253,948 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 44.1% |
| Black or African American | 33.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.1
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
15.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 15.4%+4.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.