Panhandle, Texas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Panhandle, Texas had a total population of 2,505, the 653rd largest town in Texas, with a median household income of $85,870, which is 9% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.2%.
Panhandle Quick Facts
How Panhandle 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 | 2,613 | 2,505 | -4.1% |
| Median household income | $86,354 | $85,870 | -0.6% |
| Median home value | $151,800 | $161,000 | +6.1% |
How Panhandle 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 67 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Panhandle Rankings in Texas
Explore Texas Rankings
Other Cities in Carson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Deer | 1,191 | $87,292 | 9.6% | $116,700 |
| Groom | 549 | $67,917 | 2.5% | $93,900 |
| Skellytown | 457 | $55,625 | 24.7% | $38,700 |
Cities Similar to Panhandle
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bells | 2,497 | $92,075 | $232,400 | 23.7% | 11.8% |
| Uhland | 2,520 | $92,238 | $279,900 | 17.0% | 6.4% |
| Westworth Village | 2,643 | $86,429 | $318,200 | 29.4% | 12.2% |
| Panorama Village | 2,525 | $77,411 | $291,100 | 38.2% | 12.5% |
| Ozona | 2,405 | $81,622 | $66,900 | 4.5% | 8.9% |
Population Overview
Panhandle is a small community located in Texas, within Carson County. The total population is 2,505. It ranks as the 653rd most populous out of 1,795 Census-designated places in Texas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Panhandle is 48.2 years. This is 35% higher than the state median of 35.6 years. 11.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Panhandle is $85,870. This is 9% higher than the state median of $78,476. It is also 6% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%. This is 58% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. The unemployment rate is 0.2%. This is 96% lower than the state rate of 5.3%. The median home value is $161,000. Housing costs are 43% lower than the state median of $283,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Panhandle is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Panhandle is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (81.1% vs 39.1%). The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 11.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (12.8%) is well below the state average of 39.7%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 5.5%.
Education
33.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 2% 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 94.9%. Notably, 15.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Panhandle, 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 Panhandle, Texas?
Panhandle, Texas has a population of 2,505 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Panhandle, TX?
The median household income in Panhandle is $85,870, which is 6% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Panhandle, TX?
The poverty rate in Panhandle is 5.8%. This means approximately 143 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Panhandle, Texas?
Panhandle's population is 81.1% White, 1.1% Black, 12.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Panhandle, TX?
The median home value in Panhandle is $161,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x.
How educated is Panhandle, Texas?
33.1% of adults (25+) in Panhandle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.