Zapata County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 143rd-largest in Texas
The population of Zapata County, Texas is 13,855 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 143rd-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $36,527, the median home value is $88,800, and the median age is 31.5.
The population of Zapata County has declined 1.9% since 2010 (14,086 → 13,819), a -0.14% annualized rate.
13,855
Population
-0.14%
Annual growth
14
People / sq mi
$36,527
Median Income
$88,800
Median Home Value
Zapata County covers 998 sq mi of land at 13.9 people per square mile.
About Zapata County, TX
Zapata County is a county in Texas with a population of 13,855. It ranks #143 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 31.5, younger than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Zapata County is $36,527, below the US median of $74,580. 32.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $88,800, with monthly rent averaging $569. The homeownership rate of 74.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Zapata County reflects 13.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.1 minutes each way.
Zapata County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Zapata County had a population of 14,086 in 2010 and 13,819 in 2024, a -1.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,474 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.13%.
13,819
Population (2024)
14,086
Population (2010)
14,474
Peak (2015)
-0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,086 |
| 2011 | 14,223 |
| 2012 | 14,267 |
| 2013 | 14,375 |
| 2014 | 14,359 |
| 2015 | 14,474 |
| 2016 | 14,420 |
| 2017 | 14,251 |
| 2018 | 14,151 |
| 2019 | 14,221 |
| 2020 | 13,875 |
| 2021 | 13,887 |
| 2022 | 13,841 |
| 2023 | 13,782 |
| 2024 | 13,819 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 39.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
31.5
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
13.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 26.8% · Seniors (65+): 13.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $36,527$-39,765 vs state |
| Mean household income | $56,798 |
| Per-capita income | $19,131 |
| Poverty rate | 32.7%+22.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Zapata County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
75.4%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
25.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$88,800$-171,600 vs state
Median home value
$569
Median rent
74.6%
Homeownership rate
6,218
Total housing units
74.2%
Occupied
25.8%
Vacant
25.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
72.3%
With health insurance
85.8%
With broadband internet
5.9%
Foreign-born
2.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.7%
With a disability
15.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
64.1%
High School+
13.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Zapata County, Texas has a population of 13,855 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 143rd-largest county in Texas. Population density is 14 people per square mile.
The population of Zapata County has declined 1.9% since 2010 (14,086 → 13,819), a -0.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Zapata County, Texas is $36,527, with mean (average) household income of $56,798 and per-capita income of $19,131. 32.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Zapata County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (39.5%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Zapata County, Texas is 31.5 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Zapata County is $88,800 and median monthly rent is $569. 74.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,218 total housing units, 25.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Zapata County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Zapata 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.