Sour Lake, TX
Population 2,162 · Texas
About Sour Lake, TX
Sour Lake is a small town located in Texas with a population of 2,162 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,190 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.7 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 Sour Lake features a median home value of $161,800, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sour Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,164, 0% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 837 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (474 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (256 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sour Lake shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sour Lake have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Sour Lake 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 8.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 4.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sour Lake, TX
Compared to national averages, Sour Lake has a median household income of $73,190 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,800, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,164 is 0% above the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Sour Lake's income is 1% above the state average of $72,726, and home values are 24% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Sour Lake, TX?
Sour Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,800, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,190) that falls below the national average. However, Sour Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sour Lake has a population of 2,162 with a median age of 30.7 years. Compare Sour Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Sour Lake
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Splendora | 2,167 | $69,000 | $250,200 | Compare |
| Uvalde Estates | 2,168 | $45,318 | $0 | Compare |
| Lyford | 2,153 | $44,464 | $58,300 | Compare |
| Hamlin | 2,178 | $61,949 | $72,100 | Compare |
| Marfa | 2,179 | $38,205 | $217,600 | Compare |
| Pleak | 2,142 | $69,360 | $284,700 | Compare |
| San Augustine | 2,139 | $32,140 | $70,600 | Compare |
| Llano Grande | 2,195 | $34,818 | $73,900 | 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 Sour Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sour Lake
What is the population of Sour Lake, TX?
The population of Sour Lake, TX is 2,162 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 Sour Lake?
The median household income in Sour Lake, TX is $73,190 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sour Lake?
The median home value in Sour Lake, TX is $161,800, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sour Lake?
The median monthly rent in Sour Lake, TX is $1,164, which is 0% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sour Lake?
The unemployment rate in Sour Lake, TX is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sour Lake, TX a good place to live?
Sour Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,162 and a median age of 30.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sour Lake, TX?
21.5% of residents in Sour Lake 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 Sour Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sour Lake, TX: median home value is $161,800 (34% below national), median rent is $1,164/month, and median household income is $73,190. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sour Lake?
The poverty rate in Sour Lake, TX is 14.1%, 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 Sour Lake, TX?
Sour Lake's population is 8.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 4.8% of residents are foreign-born.