Population overview
Bosque County is home to roughly 18,918 people, making up about 0.06% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #44 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 989 square miles of land and 18,918 residents yields a density of about 19.1 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Bosque County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Bosque County sits in the upper half 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 Bosque |
|---|---|---|
| Bosque County | 18,918 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +328% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -0% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +26568% |
Neighboring county populations
Bosque 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLennan County | Waco | 272,020 | 261.1 |
| Johnson County | Cleburne | 218,048 | 299.1 |
| Coryell County | Gatesville | 85,592 | 81.4 |
| Erath County | Stephenville | 43,911 | 40.4 |
| Hill County | Hillsboro | 39,503 | 41.1 |
| Somervell County | Glen Rose | 10,261 | 54.9 |
| Hamilton County | Hamilton | 8,680 | 10.4 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Bosque County, Texas?+
Bosque County has an estimated population of 18,918 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Bosque County?+
Bosque County has a population density of approximately 19.1 people per square mile across its 989 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Bosque County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Bosque County ranks #127 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.06% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Bosque County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Bosque, McLennan County is the most populous with about 272,020 residents.
How is Bosque 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.