Population overview
Gaines County is home to roughly 23,956 people, making up about 0.08% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #9 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 1,502 square miles of land and 23,956 residents yields a density of about 15.9 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Gaines County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Gaines 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 Gaines |
|---|---|---|
| Gaines County | 23,956 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | +82% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -21% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +20960% |
Neighboring county populations
Gaines 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrews County | Andrews | 18,914 | 12.6 |
| Dawson County | Lamesa | 11,776 | 13.1 |
| Terry County | Brownfield | 11,720 | 13.2 |
| Yoakum County | Plains | 7,438 | 9.3 |
| Martin County | Stanton | 5,284 | 5.8 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Gaines County, Texas?+
Gaines County has an estimated population of 23,956 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Gaines County?+
Gaines County has a population density of approximately 15.9 people per square mile across its 1,502 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Gaines County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Gaines County ranks #105 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.08% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Gaines County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Gaines, Andrews County is the most populous with about 18,914 residents.
How is Gaines 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.