Wharton County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 80th-largest in Texas
The population of Wharton County, Texas is 41,651 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 80th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $66,100, the median home value is $182,700, and the median age is 38.4.
The population of Wharton County has grown 1.8% since 2010 (41,280 → 42,035), a +0.13% annualized rate.
41,651
Population
+0.13%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$66,100
Median Income
$182,700
Median Home Value
Wharton County covers 1,086 sq mi of land at 38.3 people per square mile.
About Wharton County, TX
Wharton County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 9.6% of the population. Wharton County is a county in Texas with a population of 41,651.
The typical household here earns about $66,100, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $182,700, with typical rent around $986.
Roughly 19.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Wharton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wharton County had a population of 41,280 in 2010 and 42,035 in 2024, a 1.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 42,035 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.13%.
42,035
Population (2024)
41,280
Population (2010)
42,035
Peak (2024)
0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,280 |
| 2011 | 41,286 |
| 2012 | 41,130 |
| 2013 | 41,115 |
| 2014 | 41,082 |
| 2015 | 41,369 |
| 2016 | 41,619 |
| 2017 | 41,869 |
| 2018 | 41,515 |
| 2019 | 41,671 |
| 2020 | 41,586 |
| 2021 | 41,681 |
| 2022 | 41,811 |
| 2023 | 41,855 |
| 2024 | 42,035 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.4% |
| Black or African American | 13.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.4
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,100$-10,192 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,055 |
| Per-capita income | $32,579 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wharton County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
80.4%
Public transit
5.6%
Work from home
25.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$182,700$-77,700 vs state
Median home value
$986
Median rent
70.6%
Homeownership rate
17,546
Total housing units
87.9%
Occupied
12.1%
Vacant
29.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
83.5%
With health insurance
86.1%
With broadband internet
9.6%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
74.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.9%
High School+
19.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wharton County, Texas has a population of 41,651 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 80th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Wharton County has grown 1.8% since 2010 (41,280 → 42,035), a +0.13% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wharton County, Texas is $66,100, with mean (average) household income of $89,055 and per-capita income of $32,579. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wharton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.4%), Black or African American (13.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wharton County, Texas is 38.4 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Wharton County is $182,700 and median monthly rent is $986. 70.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 17,546 total housing units, 12.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wharton County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Wharton 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.