Matagorda County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 86th-largest in Texas
The population of Matagorda County, Texas is 36,274 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 86th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $55,174, the median home value is $162,200, and the median age is 37.5.
The population of Matagorda County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (36,706 → 36,391), a -0.06% annualized rate.
36,274
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
33
People / sq mi
$55,174
Median Income
$162,200
Median Home Value
Matagorda County covers 1,093 sq mi of land at 33.2 people per square mile.
About Matagorda County, TX
The poverty rate is what most separates Matagorda County from the typical county: 17.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Matagorda County is a county in Texas with a population of 36,274.
The typical household earns $55,174, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 17.8%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $162,200, with typical rent around $998.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Matagorda County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Matagorda County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Matagorda County had a population of 36,706 in 2010 and 36,391 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,143 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.06%.
36,391
Population (2024)
36,706
Population (2010)
37,143
Peak (2016)
-0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,706 |
| 2011 | 36,675 |
| 2012 | 36,534 |
| 2013 | 36,483 |
| 2014 | 36,463 |
| 2015 | 36,747 |
| 2016 | 37,143 |
| 2017 | 36,848 |
| 2018 | 36,583 |
| 2019 | 36,655 |
| 2020 | 36,295 |
| 2021 | 36,353 |
| 2022 | 36,182 |
| 2023 | 36,422 |
| 2024 | 36,391 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.9% |
| Black or African American | 10.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
37.5
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,174$-21,118 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,895 |
| Per-capita income | $30,189 |
| Poverty rate | 17.8%+7.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Matagorda County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
23.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$162,200$-98,200 vs state
Median home value
$998
Median rent
68.7%
Homeownership rate
18,871
Total housing units
78.6%
Occupied
21.4%
Vacant
31.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
82.1%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
14.0%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
71.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.7%
High School+
22.8%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Matagorda County, Texas has a population of 36,274 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 86th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 33 people per square mile.
The population of Matagorda County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (36,706 → 36,391), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Matagorda County, Texas is $55,174, with mean (average) household income of $73,895 and per-capita income of $30,189. 17.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Matagorda County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (55.9%), Black or African American (10.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Matagorda County, Texas is 37.5 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Matagorda County is $162,200 and median monthly rent is $998. 68.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,871 total housing units, 21.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Matagorda County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Matagorda 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.