South Houston city, Texas Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South Houston city, Texas has a total population of 16,017, the 196th largest city in Texas, with a median household income of $52,611, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 9.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Unemployment rate of 9.3% is notably above the national average.
South Houston city Quick Facts
How South Houston city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Houston city Rankings in Texas
Explore Texas Rankings
Cities Similar to South Houston city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant city | 16,061 | $53,039 | $160,500 | 12.0% | 16.9% |
| Gatesville city | 16,058 | $54,802 | $162,000 | 8.9% | 10.0% |
| Humble city | 16,489 | $52,927 | $191,200 | 13.1% | 18.1% |
| Sulphur Springs city | 16,185 | $56,457 | $188,200 | 19.1% | 15.6% |
| Pampa city | 16,735 | $53,458 | $95,800 | 15.5% | 17.6% |
Population Overview
South Houston city is a small city located in Texas. The total population is 16,017. It ranks as the 196th most populous out of 1,800 cities and towns in Texas.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Houston city is 30.4 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 35.5 years. With 32.3% of the population under 18, South Houston city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Houston city is $52,611. This is 31% lower than the state median of $76,292. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 33% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.5%. This is 70% 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 9.3%. This is 81% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $176,100. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $260,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 54.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% lower than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
South Houston city has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 91.3% of all residents. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 4.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (4.5%) is well below the state average of 39.9%. The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 11.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (91.3% vs 39.5%). The Asian population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.
Education
9.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 72% 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 59.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Houston city, Texas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Texas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,800 Census-designated places in Texas. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all Texas city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Houston city, Texas?
South Houston city, Texas has a population of 16,017 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Houston city, TX?
The median household income in South Houston city is $52,611, which is 33% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South Houston city, TX?
The poverty rate in South Houston city is 23.5%. This means approximately 3,764 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Houston city, Texas?
South Houston city's population is 4.5% White, 2.2% Black, 91.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Houston city, TX?
The median home value in South Houston city is $176,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is South Houston city, Texas?
9.2% of adults (25+) in South Houston city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.