Population overview
Brown County is home to roughly 38,711 people, making up about 0.12% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #22 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 944 square miles of land and 38,711 residents yields a density of about 41.0 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 Brown County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Brown 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 Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Brown County | 38,711 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +109% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -51% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +12933% |
Neighboring county populations
Brown 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastland County | Eastland | 18,143 | 19.6 |
| Callahan County | Baird | 14,491 | 16.1 |
| Comanche County | Comanche | 14,432 | 15.4 |
| Coleman County | Coleman | 7,915 | 6.2 |
| McCulloch County | Brady | 7,472 | 7.0 |
| San Saba County | San Saba | 5,787 | 5.1 |
| Mills County | Goldthwaite | 4,580 | 6.1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Brown County, Texas?+
Brown County has an estimated population of 38,711 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Brown County?+
Brown County has a population density of approximately 41.0 people per square mile across its 944 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Brown County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Brown County ranks #85 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.12% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Brown County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Brown, Eastland County is the most populous with about 18,143 residents.
How is Brown 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.