Texas Is the Nation’s 2nd-Youngest State, With a Median Age of Just 36

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas remains one of the younger states in the nation, with the typical Texan considerably younger than the typical American.

The median age in Texas is about 36 years, meaning roughly half of Texans are younger than 36 and half are older. The latest Census Bureau data shows the national median age at 39.4 years, putting Texas several years younger than the country overall.

Texas’ relatively young population is also reflected in its large number of children and young adults. Census estimates show 24% of Texans are under 18, while 14.9% are 65 or older. Texas’ population was estimated at 31.7 million in July 2025.

However, Texas is also aging. The Texas Demographic Center says the state’s 65-and-over population is growing rapidly, a trend expected to create increasing demand for health care, housing, transportation and other services.

The numbers highlight a major demographic characteristic of Texas: the state is young compared with much of the country, but its population is steadily getting older.

With more than 31 million residents, even relatively small shifts in the state’s age distribution represent millions of Texans and could significantly influence Texas schools, workforce needs, housing and public services in the years ahead.