Population overview
Cooke County is home to roughly 44,461 people, making up about 0.14% of the total population of Texas. Within the North Texas region, it ranks #16 of 36 counties by population. The combination of 874 square miles of land and 44,461 residents yields a density of about 50.9 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 Cooke County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Cooke 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 Cooke |
|---|---|---|
| Cooke County | 44,461 | — |
| North Texas region average | 252,448 | +468% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -57% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +11247% |
Neighboring county populations
Cooke County shares borders with 4 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denton County | Denton | 1,069,346 | 1204.2 |
| Grayson County | Sherman | 153,613 | 164.5 |
| Wise County | Decatur | 83,778 | 92.6 |
| Montague County | Montague | 21,966 | 23.6 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Cooke County, Texas?+
Cooke County has an estimated population of 44,461 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Cooke County?+
Cooke County has a population density of approximately 50.9 people per square mile across its 874 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Cooke County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Cooke County ranks #77 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.14% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Cooke County?+
Among the 4 counties bordering Cooke, Denton County is the most populous with about 1,069,346 residents.
How is Cooke 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.