Jim Wells County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 81st-largest in Texas
The population of Jim Wells County, Texas is 38,863 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 81st-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $47,492, the median home value is $104,800, and the median age is 35.5.
The population of Jim Wells County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (40,914 → 38,886), a -0.36% annualized rate.
38,863
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
45
People / sq mi
$47,492
Median Income
$104,800
Median Home Value
Jim Wells County covers 865 sq mi of land at 44.9 people per square mile.
About Jim Wells County, TX
Jim Wells County is a county in Texas with a population of 38,863. It ranks #81 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 35.5, younger than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Jim Wells County is $47,492, below the US median of $74,580. 18.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $104,800, with monthly rent averaging $885. The homeownership rate of 67.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Jim Wells County reflects 15.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.8 minutes each way.
Jim Wells County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jim Wells County had a population of 40,914 in 2010 and 38,886 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 41,706 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
38,886
Population (2024)
40,914
Population (2010)
41,706
Peak (2013)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,914 |
| 2011 | 41,245 |
| 2012 | 41,673 |
| 2013 | 41,706 |
| 2014 | 41,525 |
| 2015 | 41,540 |
| 2016 | 41,206 |
| 2017 | 40,952 |
| 2018 | 40,799 |
| 2019 | 40,573 |
| 2020 | 38,888 |
| 2021 | 38,909 |
| 2022 | 38,755 |
| 2023 | 38,811 |
| 2024 | 38,886 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
35.5
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
15.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.7% · Seniors (65+): 15.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,492$-28,800 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,198 |
| Per-capita income | $25,529 |
| Poverty rate | 18.2%+7.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jim Wells County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
80.1%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
24.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$104,800$-155,600 vs state
Median home value
$885
Median rent
67.5%
Homeownership rate
16,207
Total housing units
82.1%
Occupied
17.9%
Vacant
32.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
78.7%
With health insurance
81.2%
With broadband internet
10.4%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
51.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.2%
High School+
15.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jim Wells County, Texas has a population of 38,863 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 81st-largest county in Texas. Population density is 45 people per square mile.
The population of Jim Wells County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (40,914 → 38,886), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jim Wells County, Texas is $47,492, with mean (average) household income of $70,198 and per-capita income of $25,529. 18.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jim Wells County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jim Wells County, Texas is 35.5 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Jim Wells County is $104,800 and median monthly rent is $885. 67.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,207 total housing units, 17.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jim Wells County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Jim Wells 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.