Population overview
Caldwell County is home to roughly 55,150 people, making up about 0.17% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #17 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 546 square miles of land and 55,150 residents yields a density of about 101.0 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 Caldwell County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Caldwell 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 Caldwell |
|---|---|---|
| Caldwell County | 55,150 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +47% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -66% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +9048% |
Neighboring county populations
Caldwell County shares borders with 6 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis County | Austin | 1,389,670 | 1405.1 |
| Hays County | San Marcos | 304,390 | 449.0 |
| Guadalupe County | Seguin | 201,111 | 282.9 |
| Bastrop County | Bastrop | 118,908 | 133.9 |
| Fayette County | La Grange | 25,459 | 26.8 |
| Gonzales County | Gonzales | 20,159 | 18.9 |
What the numbers mean
Caldwell County's density of about 101.0 people per square mile is about 83% of the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 6 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 Lockhart, which draws shoppers and workers from surrounding rural areas.
Caldwell County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 67th of 254; by land area it ranks 235th; and by density it ranks 52nd. It punches above its size — more people than its land area alone would suggest.
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. Caldwell 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 Caldwell County, Texas?+
Caldwell County has an estimated population of 55,150 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Caldwell County?+
Caldwell County has a population density of approximately 101.0 people per square mile across its 546 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Caldwell County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Caldwell County ranks #67 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.17% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Caldwell County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Caldwell, Travis County is the most populous with about 1,389,670 residents.
How is Caldwell 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.