Matagorda County, Texas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Matagorda County is located in Texas with a total population of 36,274. It is the 86th most populous county out of 254 in Texas.

Age Demographics

The median age in Matagorda County is 37.5 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 35.5 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Matagorda County is $55,174. This is 28% lower than the state median of $76,292. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 30% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.8%. This is 58% 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 6.9%. This is 35% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $162,200. Housing costs are 38% lower than the state median of $260,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Matagorda County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 62.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Matagorda County is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 42.1%. The Asian population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.

Education

22.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% 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 82.8%.