Population overview
Ector County is home to roughly 173,801 people, making up about 0.55% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #4 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 901 square miles of land and 173,801 residents yields a density of about 192.9 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 Ector County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Ector County sits in the top 25% of the population distribution. It belongs to the upper tier of Texas counties — sizable enough to support diverse local services and infrastructure.
| Comparison | Population | vs Ector |
|---|---|---|
| Ector County | 173,801 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | -75% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -89% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +2803% |
Neighboring county populations
Ector 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midland County | Midland | 187,855 | 208.7 |
| Andrews County | Andrews | 18,914 | 12.6 |
| Ward County | Monahans | 11,125 | 13.3 |
| Winkler County | Kermit | 7,540 | 9.0 |
| Crane County | Crane | 4,554 | 5.8 |
| Upton County | Rankin | 3,131 | 2.5 |
What the numbers mean
Ector County's density of about 192.9 people per square mile is 1.6 times the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 3 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 Odessa, which draws shoppers and workers from surrounding rural areas.
Ector County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 32nd of 254; by land area it ranks 146th; and by density it ranks 35th. 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. Ector 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 Ector County, Texas?+
Ector County has an estimated population of 173,801 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Ector County?+
Ector County has a population density of approximately 192.9 people per square mile across its 901 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Ector County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Ector County ranks #32 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.55% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Ector County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Ector, Midland County is the most populous with about 187,855 residents.
How is Ector 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.