Hempstead, Texas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Hempstead, Texas had a total population of 6,137, the 375th largest city in Texas, with a median household income of $60,041, which is 23% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Only 6.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%.
Hempstead Quick Facts
How Hempstead Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,899 | 6,137 | +4.0% |
| Median household income | $58,288 | $60,041 | +3.0% |
| Median home value | $145,700 | $160,700 | +10.3% |
How Hempstead Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 67 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Hempstead Rankings in Texas
Explore Texas Rankings
Other Cities in Waller County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie View | 8,431 | $21,060 | 38.1% | $167,600 |
| Brookshire | 5,495 | $65,934 | 21.4% | $159,300 |
| Waller | 3,108 | $39,969 | 25.5% | $156,900 |
| Pine Island | 1,321 | $55,375 | 12.9% | $353,300 |
| Pattison | 706 | $99,659 | 20.0% | $504,400 |
Cities Similar to Hempstead
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine | 6,014 | $60,139 | $219,800 | 45.1% | 8.6% |
| Edna | 6,027 | $59,600 | $117,800 | 15.4% | 24.6% |
| Gladewater | 6,227 | $58,810 | $174,000 | 20.5% | 22.5% |
| Wilmer | 6,391 | $59,626 | $157,200 | 15.8% | 32.7% |
| Littlefield | 5,822 | $60,636 | $79,400 | 15.6% | 14.7% |
Population Overview
Hempstead is a small city located in Texas, within Waller County. The total population is 6,137. It ranks as the 375th most populous out of 1,795 Census-designated places in Texas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hempstead is 26.3 years. This is 26% lower than the state median of 35.6 years. With 32.1% of the population under 18, Hempstead has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Hempstead is $60,041. This is 23% lower than the state median of $78,476. It is also 26% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%. This is 64% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 2.4%. This is 55% lower than the state rate of 5.3%. The median home value is $160,700. Housing costs are 43% lower than the state median of $283,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Hempstead is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 38.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 38% lower than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Hempstead is Hispanic or Latino, making up 46.6% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 41.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (10.8%) is well below the state average of 39.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (41.8% vs 11.9%).
Education
6.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 80% lower than the state rate of 33.8%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 72.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hempstead, Texas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Texas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,795 Census-designated places in Texas. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Hempstead, Texas?
Hempstead, Texas has a population of 6,137 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hempstead, TX?
The median household income in Hempstead is $60,041, which is 26% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Hempstead, TX?
The poverty rate in Hempstead is 22.6%. This means approximately 1,367 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hempstead, Texas?
Hempstead's population is 10.8% White, 41.8% Black, 46.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hempstead, TX?
The median home value in Hempstead is $160,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Hempstead, Texas?
6.8% of adults (25+) in Hempstead hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.