Wharton, TX
Population 8,671 · Texas
About Wharton, TX
Wharton is a small town located in Texas with a population of 8,671 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,692 per year, which is 37% 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 Wharton features a median home value of $149,300, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wharton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $993, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,861 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (1,543 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (1,793 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 Wharton shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wharton have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.7% of Wharton 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 33.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 8.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wharton, TX
Compared to national averages, Wharton has a median household income of $47,692 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $149,300, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $993 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Wharton's income is 34% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 29% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Wharton, TX?
Wharton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $149,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $993/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,692) that falls below the national average. However, Wharton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wharton has a population of 8,671 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Wharton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Wharton
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perryton | 8,625 | $64,192 | $130,800 | Compare |
| Graham | 8,758 | $58,525 | $173,000 | Compare |
| Sonterra | 8,576 | $94,728 | $260,100 | Compare |
| Highland Park | 8,774 | $250,001 | $1,887,300 | Compare |
| Whitehouse | 8,794 | $72,500 | $216,000 | Compare |
| Paloma Creek South | 8,797 | $137,585 | $342,800 | Compare |
| Brownfield | 8,803 | $43,189 | $109,900 | Compare |
| Aransas Pass | 8,807 | $59,359 | $212,100 | 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 Wharton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wharton
What is the population of Wharton, TX?
The population of Wharton, TX is 8,671 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 Wharton?
The median household income in Wharton, TX is $47,692 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wharton?
The median home value in Wharton, TX is $149,300, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Wharton?
The median monthly rent in Wharton, TX is $993, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wharton?
The unemployment rate in Wharton, TX is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wharton, TX a good place to live?
Wharton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,671 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wharton, TX?
13.7% of residents in Wharton 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 Wharton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wharton, TX: median home value is $149,300 (39% below national), median rent is $993/month, and median household income is $47,692. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wharton?
The poverty rate in Wharton, TX is 21.2%, 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 Wharton, TX?
Wharton's population is 33.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 27.7% two or more races. 8.6% of residents are foreign-born.