Population overview
Anderson County is home to roughly 59,805 people, making up about 0.19% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #14 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 1,071 square miles of land and 59,805 residents yields a density of about 55.8 people per square mile — characteristic of small-town and exurban Texas, where towns are anchored by a county seat surrounded by working farmland and ranches.
How Anderson County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Anderson County sits in the top 25% of the population distribution. It represents the broad middle of Texas — small to mid-sized counties with a clear county seat and a regionally rooted economy.
| Comparison | Population | vs Anderson |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson County | 59,805 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | +9% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -68% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +8336% |
Neighboring county populations
Anderson County shares borders with 5 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henderson County | Athens | 88,595 | 101.4 |
| Cherokee County | Rusk | 53,337 | 50.7 |
| Houston County | Crockett | 22,316 | 18.1 |
| Freestone County | Fairfield | 20,811 | 23.5 |
| Leon County | Centerville | 16,894 | 15.8 |
What the numbers mean
Anderson County's density of about 55.8 people per square mile is about 46% of the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 11 acres of land for every resident.
At this density the county is anchored by one or two real towns, with farms and ranches between them. Hospitals, school districts and retail tend to concentrate in Palestine, which draws shoppers and workers from surrounding rural areas.
Anderson County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 59th of 254; by land area it ranks 54th; and by density it ranks 72nd. Its population and land area rank fairly close together, a balanced profile for Texas.
Texas's population is extremely concentrated: the ten largest counties hold well over half of all Texans, while more than 150 counties have fewer than 30,000 residents. Anderson County sits in the middle ground between the big metros and the rural majority.
About the data
Population figures on this page come from the U.S. Census Bureau. The decennial census provides the official count every ten years, and the Bureau's annual Population Estimates Program updates county totals between censuses. Land area comes from the Census Gazetteer and excludes water. Figures are rounded and may differ slightly from county or school district estimates that use other methods. See our methodology page for details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Anderson County, Texas?+
Anderson County has an estimated population of 59,805 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Anderson County?+
Anderson County has a population density of approximately 55.8 people per square mile across its 1,071 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Anderson County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Anderson County ranks #59 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.19% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Anderson County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Anderson, Henderson County is the most populous with about 88,595 residents.
How is Anderson County's population measured?+
Population figures are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau — the decennial census and annual American Community Survey (ACS) population estimates. See our methodology for full sourcing.