Brownwood, TX
Population 18,805 · Texas
About Brownwood, TX
Brownwood is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 18,805 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,821 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brownwood features a median home value of $123,700, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brownwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $829, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,505 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (4,092 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (3,246 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brownwood shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brownwood have an average one-way commute time of 14.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.7% of Brownwood 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 24.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brownwood, TX
Compared to national averages, Brownwood has a median household income of $47,821 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,700, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $829 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Brownwood's income is 34% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 42% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Brownwood, TX?
Brownwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $829/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,821) that falls below the national average. However, Brownwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brownwood has a population of 18,805 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Brownwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Brownwood
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Marque | 18,833 | $70,632 | $189,400 | Compare |
| Palestine | 18,888 | $46,228 | $153,400 | Compare |
| Steiner Ranch | 18,683 | $195,181 | $723,500 | Compare |
| Seagoville | 18,968 | $68,020 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Crowley | 19,007 | $92,599 | $241,500 | Compare |
| Terrell | 19,019 | $63,795 | $190,000 | Compare |
| Lakeway | 19,130 | $164,978 | $695,400 | Compare |
| Nederland | 18,475 | $75,502 | $196,600 | 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 Brownwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownwood
What is the population of Brownwood, TX?
The population of Brownwood, TX is 18,805 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 Brownwood?
The median household income in Brownwood, TX is $47,821 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brownwood?
The median home value in Brownwood, TX is $123,700, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brownwood?
The median monthly rent in Brownwood, TX is $829, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brownwood?
The unemployment rate in Brownwood, TX is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brownwood, TX a good place to live?
Brownwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,805 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brownwood, TX?
18.7% of residents in Brownwood 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 Brownwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brownwood, TX: median home value is $123,700 (49% below national), median rent is $829/month, and median household income is $47,821. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brownwood?
The poverty rate in Brownwood, TX is 18.9%, 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 Brownwood, TX?
Brownwood's population is 24.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.