Center, TX
Population 5,198 · Texas
About Center, TX
Center is a small town located in Texas with a population of 5,198 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,731 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Center features a median home value of $152,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $958, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,189 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (1,077 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (751 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Center shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Center have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.0% of Center 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 26.7% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 12.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Center, TX
Compared to national averages, Center has a median household income of $50,731 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,000, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $958 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Center's income is 30% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 28% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Center, TX?
Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $958/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,731) that falls below the national average. However, Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Center has a population of 5,198 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Center
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau Bay | 5,211 | $78,057 | $339,400 | Compare |
| Breckenridge | 5,182 | $46,989 | $76,400 | Compare |
| Brady | 5,215 | $44,163 | $102,900 | Compare |
| Sandy Oaks | 5,227 | $51,433 | $115,000 | Compare |
| Hickory Creek | 5,161 | $144,434 | $510,100 | Compare |
| Granite Shoals | 5,247 | $69,602 | $194,500 | Compare |
| Doffing | 5,126 | $26,525 | $93,300 | Compare |
| Primera | 5,282 | $77,500 | $147,200 | 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 Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Center
What is the population of Center, TX?
The population of Center, TX is 5,198 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Center?
The median household income in Center, TX is $50,731 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Center?
The median home value in Center, TX is $152,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Center?
The median monthly rent in Center, TX is $958, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Center?
The unemployment rate in Center, TX is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Center, TX a good place to live?
Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,198 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Center, TX?
14.0% of residents in Center 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 Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Center, TX: median home value is $152,000 (38% below national), median rent is $958/month, and median household income is $50,731. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Center?
The poverty rate in Center, TX is 32.4%, 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 Center, TX?
Center's population is 26.7% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 30.9% two or more races. 12.0% of residents are foreign-born.