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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.5% of the population. With 14,819 residents, Karnes County is a county in Texas.
Median household income is $59,103, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.8%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $136,900, with typical rent around $872.
College attainment is 16.0%, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.0% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 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
Other counties in Texas
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
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Texas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.