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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 5.9% of the population. With 13,855 residents, Zapata County is a county in Texas.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $36,527, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 32.7%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $88,800, with typical rent around $569.
Zapata County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.3% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.9%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.