Abilene, TX
Population 127,130 · Texas
About Abilene, TX
Abilene is a major city located in Texas with a population of 127,130 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,720 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Abilene features a median home value of $178,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Abilene in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,106, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 52,729 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (25,975 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (20,707 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Abilene shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Abilene have an average one-way commute time of 15.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.1% of Abilene residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 23.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 7.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Abilene Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in Abilene, TX
Compared to national averages, Abilene has a median household income of $62,720 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,900, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,106 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Abilene's income is 14% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 16% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Abilene, TX?
Abilene offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,106/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,720) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Abilene provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Abilene has a population of 127,130 with a median age of 32.8 years. Compare Abilene with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Abilene
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearland | 125,983 | $112,470 | $330,900 | Compare |
| Lewisville | 128,313 | $85,002 | $350,200 | Compare |
| Round Rock | 124,288 | $97,187 | $383,700 | Compare |
| College Station | 122,280 | $51,776 | $326,500 | Compare |
| Carrollton | 132,741 | $99,115 | $353,600 | Compare |
| Midland | 133,998 | $91,169 | $298,600 | Compare |
| Richardson | 118,269 | $96,257 | $405,600 | Compare |
| The Woodlands | 116,916 | $141,353 | $479,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Abilene With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Abilene
What is the population of Abilene, TX?
The population of Abilene, TX is 127,130 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Abilene?
The median household income in Abilene, TX is $62,720 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Abilene?
The median home value in Abilene, TX is $178,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Abilene?
The median monthly rent in Abilene, TX is $1,106, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Abilene?
The unemployment rate in Abilene, TX is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Abilene, TX a good place to live?
Abilene offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 127,130 and a median age of 32.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Abilene, TX?
27.1% of residents in Abilene aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Abilene?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Abilene, TX: median home value is $178,900 (27% below national), median rent is $1,106/month, and median household income is $62,720. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Abilene?
The poverty rate in Abilene, TX is 14.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Abilene, TX?
Abilene's population is 23.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 9.9% two or more races. 7.4% of residents are foreign-born.