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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.4% of the population. Jim Wells County is a county in Texas with a population of 38,863.
The typical household earns $47,492, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 18.2%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $104,800, with typical rent around $885.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 9.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.