Brenham, TX
Population 18,086 · Texas
About Brenham, TX
Brenham is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 18,086 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,207 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 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 Brenham features a median home value of $223,200, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Brenham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,087, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,810 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (4,187 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (3,185 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brenham shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brenham have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.1% of Brenham 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 21.5% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brenham, TX
Compared to national averages, Brenham has a median household income of $57,207 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $223,200, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,087 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Brenham's income is 21% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 5% above the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Brenham, TX?
Brenham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $223,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,087/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,207) that falls below the national average. However, Brenham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brenham has a population of 18,086 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Brenham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Brenham
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Settlement | 18,119 | $56,472 | $176,500 | Compare |
| Bay City | 17,816 | $51,898 | $149,800 | Compare |
| Alice | 17,797 | $46,963 | $107,700 | Compare |
| Nederland | 18,475 | $75,502 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Gainesville | 17,688 | $56,341 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Melissa | 17,497 | $137,875 | $430,300 | Compare |
| Steiner Ranch | 18,683 | $195,181 | $723,500 | Compare |
| Brownwood | 18,805 | $47,821 | $123,700 | 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 Brenham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brenham
What is the population of Brenham, TX?
The population of Brenham, TX is 18,086 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Brenham?
The median household income in Brenham, TX is $57,207 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brenham?
The median home value in Brenham, TX is $223,200, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brenham?
The median monthly rent in Brenham, TX is $1,087, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brenham?
The unemployment rate in Brenham, TX is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Brenham, TX a good place to live?
Brenham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,086 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Brenham, TX?
30.1% of residents in Brenham 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 Brenham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brenham, TX: median home value is $223,200 (9% below national), median rent is $1,087/month, and median household income is $57,207. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Brenham?
The poverty rate in Brenham, TX is 18.7%, 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 Brenham, TX?
Brenham's population is 21.5% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 22.0% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.