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
In Willacy County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $60,800. Willacy County is a county in Texas with a population of 20,218.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $45,645, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 18.7%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $60,800, with typical rent around $868.
Willacy County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.2% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.4%, and the average commute runs about 20 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+
Largest cities in Texas
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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.
Willacy County, TX Climate
Willacy County, TX has an average annual temperature of 22.7°C (73°F) and receives about 701 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
22.7°C
Avg Temp
701
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14° / 58° | 41 mm |
| February | 17° / 62° | 41 mm |
| March | 20° / 68° | 19 mm |
| April | 23° / 73° | 39 mm |
| May | 26° / 79° | 78 mm |
| June | 28° / 82° | 78 mm |
| July | 29° / 84° | 44 mm |
| August | 29° / 84° | 67 mm |
| September | 27° / 81° | 146 mm |
| October | 24° / 75° | 69 mm |
| November | 20° / 67° | 43 mm |
| December | 16° / 60° | 36 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Willacy County, TX
The most comfortable months to visit Willacy County, TX are typically March, November and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Willacy County
Visiting or relocating to Willacy County, TX? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.