Jim Wells County, Texas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Jim Wells County is located in Texas with a total population of 38,863. It is the 81st most populous county out of 254 in Texas.

Age Demographics

The median age in Jim Wells County is 35.5 years. This is about average than the state median of 35.5 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Jim Wells County is $47,492. This is 38% lower than the state median of $76,292. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%. This is 68% 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 5.6%. This is 8% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $104,800. Housing costs are 60% lower than the state median of $260,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Jim Wells County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 67.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% higher than the state average of 62.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Jim Wells County is Hispanic or Latino, making up 79.4% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 18.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (18.5%) is well below the state average of 39.9%. The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 11.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (79.4% vs 39.5%). The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.

Education

15.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% lower than the state rate of 33.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 79.2%.