Runnels County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 163rd-largest in Texas
The population of Runnels County, Texas is 9,880 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 163rd-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $63,490, the median home value is $103,700, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Runnels County has declined 7.2% since 2010 (10,510 → 9,751), a -0.53% annualized rate.
9,880
Population
-0.53%
Annual growth
9
People / sq mi
$63,490
Median Income
$103,700
Median Home Value
Runnels County covers 1,051 sq mi of land at 9.4 people per square mile.
About Runnels County, TX
Runnels County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.5% of the population. With 9,880 residents, Runnels County is a county in Texas.
The typical household here earns about $63,490, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $103,700, with typical rent around $894.
19.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Runnels County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Runnels County had a population of 10,510 in 2010 and 9,751 in 2024, a -7.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,510 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.53%.
9,751
Population (2024)
10,510
Population (2010)
10,510
Peak (2010)
-0.53%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,510 |
| 2011 | 10,503 |
| 2012 | 10,337 |
| 2013 | 10,197 |
| 2014 | 10,297 |
| 2015 | 10,387 |
| 2016 | 10,290 |
| 2017 | 10,275 |
| 2018 | 10,167 |
| 2019 | 10,265 |
| 2020 | 9,921 |
| 2021 | 9,893 |
| 2022 | 9,896 |
| 2023 | 9,909 |
| 2024 | 9,751 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.7% |
| Black or African American | 3.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,490$-12,802 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,798 |
| Per-capita income | $31,419 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%-1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Runnels County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
82.4%
Public transit
5.1%
Work from home
24.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$103,700$-156,700 vs state
Median home value
$894
Median rent
74.7%
Homeownership rate
4,989
Total housing units
76.2%
Occupied
23.8%
Vacant
25.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.0%
With health insurance
90.6%
With broadband internet
12.5%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
76.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.2%
High School+
19.1%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Runnels County, Texas has a population of 9,880 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 163rd-largest county in Texas. Population density is 9 people per square mile.
The population of Runnels County has declined 7.2% since 2010 (10,510 → 9,751), a -0.53% annualized rate.
The median household income in Runnels County, Texas is $63,490, with mean (average) household income of $78,798 and per-capita income of $31,419. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Runnels County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (69.7%), Black or African American (3.0%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Runnels County, Texas is 41.8 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Runnels County is $103,700 and median monthly rent is $894. 74.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,989 total housing units, 23.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Runnels County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Runnels 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.