Karnes County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 140th-largest in Texas
The population of Karnes County, Texas is 14,819 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 140th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $59,103, the median home value is $136,900, and the median age is 37.1.
The population of Karnes County has grown 1.7% since 2010 (14,886 → 15,137), a +0.12% annualized rate.
14,819
Population
+0.12%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$59,103
Median Income
$136,900
Median Home Value
Karnes County covers 748 sq mi of land at 19.8 people per square mile.
About Karnes County, TX
Karnes County is a county in Texas with a population of 14,819. It ranks #140 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 37.1, younger than the national median. The population is 57.2% male and 42.8% female.
The median household income in Karnes County is $59,103, below the US median of $74,580. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $136,900, with monthly rent averaging $872. The homeownership rate of 65.3% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Karnes County reflects 16.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.2 minutes each way.
Karnes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Karnes County had a population of 14,886 in 2010 and 15,137 in 2024, a 1.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,715 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.13%.
15,137
Population (2024)
14,886
Population (2010)
15,715
Peak (2018)
0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,886 |
| 2011 | 14,955 |
| 2012 | 14,857 |
| 2013 | 14,729 |
| 2014 | 14,907 |
| 2015 | 15,407 |
| 2016 | 15,513 |
| 2017 | 15,590 |
| 2018 | 15,715 |
| 2019 | 15,356 |
| 2020 | 14,811 |
| 2021 | 14,800 |
| 2022 | 15,039 |
| 2023 | 15,054 |
| 2024 | 15,137 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.0% |
| Black or African American | 7.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.1
Median Age
42.8%
Female
57.2%
Male
14.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 14.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,103$-17,189 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,349 |
| Per-capita income | $28,251 |
| Poverty rate | 15.8%+5.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Karnes County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
4.0%
Work from home
20.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$136,900$-123,500 vs state
Median home value
$872
Median rent
65.3%
Homeownership rate
5,892
Total housing units
78.8%
Occupied
21.2%
Vacant
34.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
83.6%
With health insurance
89.4%
With broadband internet
10.5%
Foreign-born
5.0%
Veterans (18+)
17.3%
With a disability
71.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.2%
High School+
16.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Texas
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Part of Texas
Metro areas in Texas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Karnes County, Texas has a population of 14,819 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 140th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Karnes County has grown 1.7% since 2010 (14,886 → 15,137), a +0.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Karnes County, Texas is $59,103, with mean (average) household income of $88,349 and per-capita income of $28,251. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Karnes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (59.0%), Black or African American (7.2%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Karnes County, Texas is 37.1 years. Residents are 42.8% female and 57.2% male.
The median home value in Karnes County is $136,900 and median monthly rent is $872. 65.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,892 total housing units, 21.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Karnes County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Karnes County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.
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Statewide data for Texas
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.