Willacy County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 119th-largest in Texas
The population of Willacy County, Texas is 20,218 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 119th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $45,645, the median home value is $60,800, and the median age is 33.7.
The population of Willacy County has declined 9.9% since 2010 (22,226 → 20,027), a -0.74% annualized rate.
20,218
Population
-0.74%
Annual growth
34
People / sq mi
$45,645
Median Income
$60,800
Median Home Value
Willacy County covers 591 sq mi of land at 34.2 people per square mile.
About Willacy County, TX
Willacy County is a county in Texas with a population of 20,218. It ranks #119 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 33.7, younger than the national median. The population is 54.1% male and 45.9% female.
The median household income in Willacy County is $45,645, below the US median of $74,580. 18.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $60,800, with monthly rent averaging $868. The homeownership rate of 72.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Willacy County reflects 12.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.9 minutes each way.
Willacy County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Willacy County had a population of 22,226 in 2010 and 20,027 in 2024, a -9.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,226 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.73%.
20,027
Population (2024)
22,226
Population (2010)
22,226
Peak (2010)
-0.73%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,226 |
| 2011 | 22,168 |
| 2012 | 22,202 |
| 2013 | 22,016 |
| 2014 | 21,926 |
| 2015 | 21,852 |
| 2016 | 21,749 |
| 2017 | 21,489 |
| 2018 | 21,414 |
| 2019 | 21,280 |
| 2020 | 20,141 |
| 2021 | 20,292 |
| 2022 | 20,231 |
| 2023 | 20,003 |
| 2024 | 20,027 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.7
Median Age
45.9%
Female
54.1%
Male
14.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.7% · Seniors (65+): 14.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $45,645$-30,647 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,701 |
| Per-capita income | $22,607 |
| Poverty rate | 18.7%+8.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Willacy County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
80.7%
Public transit
9.4%
Work from home
19.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$60,800$-199,600 vs state
Median home value
$868
Median rent
72.4%
Homeownership rate
6,854
Total housing units
82.7%
Occupied
17.3%
Vacant
27.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
73.5%
With health insurance
86.5%
With broadband internet
7.1%
Foreign-born
3.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
39.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
67.7%
High School+
12.2%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Texas
Metro areas in Texas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Willacy County, Texas has a population of 20,218 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 119th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 34 people per square mile.
The population of Willacy County has declined 9.9% since 2010 (22,226 → 20,027), a -0.74% annualized rate.
The median household income in Willacy County, Texas is $45,645, with mean (average) household income of $63,701 and per-capita income of $22,607. 18.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Willacy County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (56.8%), Black or African American (1.4%), 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 Willacy County, Texas is 33.7 years. Residents are 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
The median home value in Willacy County is $60,800 and median monthly rent is $868. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,854 total housing units, 17.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Willacy County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Willacy 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.