Population overview
Collin County is home to roughly 1,297,179 people, making up about 4.09% of the total population of Texas. Within the North Texas region, it ranks #3 of 36 counties by population. The combination of 848 square miles of land and 1,297,179 residents yields a density of about 1529.7 people per square mile — a clearly metropolitan figure that signals concentrated urban development and dense infrastructure.
How Collin County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Collin County sits in the top 10% of the population distribution. It is one of the top-tier urban counties driving Texas's overall growth and economy.
| Comparison | Population | vs Collin |
|---|---|---|
| Collin County | 1,297,179 | — |
| North Texas region average | 252,448 | -81% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -99% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +289% |
Neighboring county populations
Collin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | Dallas | 2,661,397 | 3024.3 |
| Denton County | Denton | 1,069,346 | 1204.2 |
| Grayson County | Sherman | 153,613 | 164.5 |
| Rockwall County | Rockwall | 140,738 | 944.6 |
| Hunt County | Greenville | 123,336 | 146.7 |
| Fannin County | Bonham | 39,265 | 44.0 |
What the numbers mean
Collin County's density of about 1529.7 people per square mile is 12.6 times the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 0.42 acres of land for every resident.
A density this high means most residents live in incorporated cities and continuous suburbs. Population size drives the county's large budget, its many courts and precincts, and its weight in statewide elections — a county of this size elects multiple state representatives on its own.
Collin County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 6th of 254; by land area it ranks 186th; and by density it ranks 5th. 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. Collin County is one of those ten.
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 Collin County, Texas?+
Collin County has an estimated population of 1,297,179 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Collin County?+
Collin County has a population density of approximately 1529.7 people per square mile across its 848 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a highly urbanized county.
Where does Collin County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Collin County ranks #6 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 4.09% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Collin County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Collin, Dallas County is the most populous with about 2,661,397 residents.
How is Collin 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.