Population overview
Dawson County is home to roughly 11,776 people, making up about 0.04% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #18 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 902 square miles of land and 11,776 residents yields a density of about 13.1 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Dawson County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Dawson County sits in the lower half of the population distribution. It belongs to the smaller end of Texas counties by population — typical of West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Trans-Pecos.
| Comparison | Population | vs Dawson |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson County | 11,776 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | +270% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +61% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +42742% |
Neighboring county populations
Dawson County shares borders with 5 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaines County | Seminole | 23,956 | 15.9 |
| Terry County | Brownfield | 11,720 | 13.2 |
| Lynn County | Tahoka | 6,017 | 6.7 |
| Martin County | Stanton | 5,284 | 5.8 |
| Borden County | Gail | 567 | 0.6 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Dawson County, Texas?+
Dawson County has an estimated population of 11,776 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Dawson County?+
Dawson County has a population density of approximately 13.1 people per square mile across its 902 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Dawson County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Dawson County ranks #157 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.04% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Dawson County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Dawson, Gaines County is the most populous with about 23,956 residents.
How is Dawson 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.