Population overview
Dallas County is home to roughly 2,661,397 people, making up about 8.39% of the total population of Texas. Within the North Texas region, it ranks #1 of 36 counties by population. The combination of 880 square miles of land and 2,661,397 residents yields a density of about 3024.3 people per square mile — a clearly metropolitan figure that signals concentrated urban development and dense infrastructure.
How Dallas County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Dallas 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 Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | 2,661,397 | — |
| North Texas region average | 252,448 | -91% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -99% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +90% |
Neighboring county populations
Dallas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County | Fort Worth | 2,248,466 | 2602.4 |
| Collin County | McKinney | 1,297,179 | 1529.7 |
| Denton County | Denton | 1,069,346 | 1204.2 |
| Ellis County | Waxahachie | 240,867 | 256.2 |
| Kaufman County | Kaufman | 209,235 | 266.2 |
| Rockwall County | Rockwall | 140,738 | 944.6 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Dallas County, Texas?+
Dallas County has an estimated population of 2,661,397 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Dallas County?+
Dallas County has a population density of approximately 3024.3 people per square mile across its 880 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a highly urbanized county.
Where does Dallas County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Dallas County ranks #2 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 8.39% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Dallas County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Dallas, Tarrant County is the most populous with about 2,248,466 residents.
How is Dallas 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.