Harris County, Texas

Income Data

+13% vs. Texas average
$73,104
Median Household Income
$39,978
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$73,104
+13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$39,978
+1% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Texas
#52 / 253
by median household income

How Harris County Compares

Harris County$73,104
Texas Average$64,737
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$73,104
Median Household Income
$39,978
Per Capita Income
$255,000
Median Home Value
28.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Harris County, Texas

Harris approaches national income median

Harris County's median household income of $73,104 sits $1,651 below the U.S. median of $74,755, nearly matching national income levels. Per capita income of $39,978 substantially exceeds Texas's state average of $33,197.

Strongest earner in this cluster

Harris County's $73,104 median household income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $8,367, ranking it in the upper quarter of Texas counties. This reflects the economic strength of Houston and surrounding urban areas.

Top earner among regional peers

Harris County's median income of $73,104 ranks highest among this group except Hartley County ($82,122), surpassing Hardin County ($72,532) and all other neighboring counties. The county's urban economy drives stronger-than-average wages.

Higher costs reflect urban location

Harris County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% is elevated compared to regional peers, reflecting urban housing demand and median home values of $255,000. While income supports this cost, the ratio approaches affordability thresholds and requires careful budgeting.

Navigate housing to build assets

Harris County residents must strategically manage the 22.1% housing cost ratio to preserve wealth-building capacity. Prioritize employer-matched retirement plans, explore tax-advantaged accounts, and consider side income strategies to offset housing costs and accelerate long-term investment growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Harris County, Texas?
The median household income in Harris County, Texas is $73,104, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Harris County?
The per capita income in Harris County is $39,978, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $73,104.
How does Harris County compare to the Texas average?
Harris County's median household income of $73,104 is higher than the Texas state average of $64,737. The per capita income is $39,978, compared to the state average of $33,197.
What is the per capita income in Harris County, Texas?
The per capita income in Harris County, Texas is $39,978, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Harris County income higher than the Texas average?
Harris County's median household income of $73,104 is higher than the Texas average of $64,737. This difference of $8,367 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Harris County rank for income in Texas?
Harris County ranks #52 out of 253 counties in Texas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $73,104 and per capita income of $39,978, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Harris County

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Your income is above the Harris County median

County median: $73,104 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+13%

vs. National Median

-2%

vs. Harris County MedianAbout equal
vs. Texas Average13% above
vs. National Median2% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.5x

Your monthly income ($6,092) vs. median rent ($1,349/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.