Population overview
Bell County is home to roughly 402,248 people, making up about 1.27% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #4 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 1,059 square miles of land and 402,248 residents yields a density of about 379.8 people per square mile — typical of suburban Texas, with a mix of subdivisions, commercial corridors, and remaining rural land.
How Bell County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Bell County sits in the top 10% of the population distribution. It belongs to the upper tier of Texas counties — sizable enough to support diverse local services and infrastructure.
| Comparison | Population | vs Bell |
|---|---|---|
| Bell County | 402,248 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | -80% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -95% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +1154% |
Neighboring county populations
Bell County shares borders with 7 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williamson County | Georgetown | 752,827 | 669.8 |
| McLennan County | Waco | 272,020 | 261.1 |
| Coryell County | Gatesville | 85,592 | 81.4 |
| Burnet County | Burnet | 57,015 | 57.3 |
| Milam County | Cameron | 26,258 | 25.8 |
| Lampasas County | Lampasas | 23,657 | 33.2 |
| Falls County | Marlin | 17,869 | 23.2 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Bell County, Texas?+
Bell County has an estimated population of 402,248 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Bell County?+
Bell County has a population density of approximately 379.8 people per square mile across its 1,059 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a suburban county.
Where does Bell County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Bell County ranks #15 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 1.27% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Bell County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Bell, Williamson County is the most populous with about 752,827 residents.
How is Bell 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.