Brownsville, TX
Population 188,023 · Texas
About Brownsville, TX
Brownsville is a major city located in Texas with a population of 188,023 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,675 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.9 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 Brownsville features a median home value of $122,400, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brownsville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $906, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 63,750 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (35,067 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (23,451 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brownsville shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brownsville have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.3% of Brownsville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 89.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 27.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brownsville Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in Brownsville, TX
Compared to national averages, Brownsville has a median household income of $48,675 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,400, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $906 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Brownsville's income is 33% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 42% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Brownsville, TX?
Brownsville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $906/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,675) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Brownsville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Brownsville has a population of 188,023 with a median age of 30.9 years. Compare Brownsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Brownsville
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prairie | 198,564 | $78,889 | $272,200 | Compare |
| Amarillo | 200,945 | $62,469 | $186,800 | Compare |
| McKinney | 202,314 | $120,273 | $439,500 | Compare |
| Frisco | 210,238 | $146,158 | $595,400 | Compare |
| Killeen | 156,144 | $58,339 | $196,000 | Compare |
| Pasadena | 149,345 | $64,270 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Denton | 146,987 | $73,719 | $325,700 | Compare |
| McAllen | 143,789 | $60,165 | $173,800 | 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 Brownsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownsville
What is the population of Brownsville, TX?
The population of Brownsville, TX is 188,023 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 Brownsville?
The median household income in Brownsville, TX is $48,675 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brownsville?
The median home value in Brownsville, TX is $122,400, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brownsville?
The median monthly rent in Brownsville, TX is $906, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brownsville?
The unemployment rate in Brownsville, TX is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brownsville, TX a good place to live?
Brownsville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 188,023 and a median age of 30.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Brownsville, TX?
22.3% of residents in Brownsville 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 Brownsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brownsville, TX: median home value is $122,400 (50% below national), median rent is $906/month, and median household income is $48,675. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brownsville?
The poverty rate in Brownsville, TX is 24.9%, 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 Brownsville, TX?
Brownsville's population is 89.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 27.2% of residents are foreign-born.