Karnes City, TX
Population 3,101 · Texas
About Karnes City, TX
Karnes City is a small town located in Texas with a population of 3,101 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,601 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 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 Karnes City features a median home value of $90,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Karnes City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $669, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,225 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (627 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (312 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Karnes City shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 25.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Karnes City have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.9% of Karnes City 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 52.9% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 14.4% Asian residents, with 17.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Karnes City, TX
Compared to national averages, Karnes City has a median household income of $58,601 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,400, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $669 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Karnes City's income is 19% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 57% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Karnes City, TX?
Karnes City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $669/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,601) that falls below the national average. However, Karnes City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Karnes City has a population of 3,101 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Karnes City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Karnes City
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abernathy | 3,108 | $76,850 | $145,100 | Compare |
| Big Lake | 3,092 | $72,067 | $155,500 | Compare |
| Piney Point Village | 3,090 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| The Homesteads | 3,113 | $64,037 | $112,100 | Compare |
| South Alamo | 3,114 | $33,516 | $69,700 | Compare |
| DeCordova | 3,086 | $113,676 | $300,800 | Compare |
| Hollywood Park | 3,119 | $140,357 | $428,000 | Compare |
| San Saba | 3,125 | $47,045 | $112,200 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Karnes City
What is the population of Karnes City, TX?
The population of Karnes City, TX is 3,101 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 Karnes City?
The median household income in Karnes City, TX is $58,601 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Karnes City?
The median home value in Karnes City, TX is $90,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Karnes City?
The median monthly rent in Karnes City, TX is $669, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Karnes City?
The unemployment rate in Karnes City, TX is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Karnes City, TX a good place to live?
Karnes City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,101 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Karnes City, TX?
12.9% of residents in Karnes City 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 Karnes City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Karnes City, TX: median home value is $90,400 (63% below national), median rent is $669/month, and median household income is $58,601. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Karnes City?
The poverty rate in Karnes City, TX is 25.8%, 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 Karnes City, TX?
Karnes City's population is 52.9% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 14.4% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 17.1% of residents are foreign-born.