Prairie View, TX
Population 8,220 · Texas
About Prairie View, TX
Prairie View is a small town located in Texas with a population of 8,220 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $19,106 per year, which is 75% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20.9 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 Prairie View features a median home value of $171,900, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Prairie View in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $837, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,542 total housing units, 21% are owner-occupied (265 units) and 79% are renter-occupied (1,015 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Prairie View shows an unemployment rate of 19.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 37.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Prairie View have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.4% of Prairie View 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 5.1% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Prairie View, TX
Compared to national averages, Prairie View has a median household income of $19,106 (75% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $171,900, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $837 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Prairie View's income is 74% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 19% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Prairie View, TX?
Prairie View offers affordable housing with a median home value of $171,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $837/month, and a well-educated community where 43.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($19,106) that falls below the national average. However, Prairie View’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Prairie View has a population of 8,220 with a median age of 20.9 years. Compare Prairie View with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Prairie View
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navasota | 8,170 | $48,646 | $167,100 | Compare |
| Joshua | 8,279 | $60,466 | $271,000 | Compare |
| Cuero | 8,147 | $62,906 | $185,600 | Compare |
| Mila Doce | 8,298 | $46,544 | $72,600 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 8,137 | $54,888 | $153,200 | Compare |
| Providence Village | 8,116 | $105,469 | $321,300 | Compare |
| Fort Stockton | 8,340 | $69,688 | $176,600 | Compare |
| Kirby | 8,100 | $58,700 | $159,000 | 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 Prairie View With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Prairie View
What is the population of Prairie View, TX?
The population of Prairie View, TX is 8,220 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 Prairie View?
The median household income in Prairie View, TX is $19,106 per year, which is 75% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Prairie View?
The median home value in Prairie View, TX is $171,900, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Prairie View?
The median monthly rent in Prairie View, TX is $837, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Prairie View?
The unemployment rate in Prairie View, TX is 19.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Prairie View, TX a good place to live?
Prairie View offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,220 and a median age of 20.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Prairie View, TX?
43.4% of residents in Prairie View aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Prairie View?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Prairie View, TX: median home value is $171,900 (30% below national), median rent is $837/month, and median household income is $19,106. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Prairie View?
The poverty rate in Prairie View, TX is 37.3%, 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 Prairie View, TX?
Prairie View's population is 5.1% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 85.0% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.