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 |
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.