Population overview
Gillespie County is home to roughly 28,527 people, making up about 0.09% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #28 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 1,061 square miles of land and 28,527 residents yields a density of about 26.9 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 Gillespie County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Gillespie 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 Gillespie |
|---|---|---|
| Gillespie County | 28,527 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +184% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -34% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +17585% |
Neighboring county populations
Gillespie 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerr County | Kerrville | 54,037 | 48.9 |
| Kendall County | Boerne | 53,289 | 80.5 |
| Llano County | Llano | 23,353 | 25.0 |
| Blanco County | Johnson City | 13,581 | 19.1 |
| Kimble County | Junction | 4,438 | 3.5 |
| Mason County | Mason | 3,990 | 4.3 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Gillespie County, Texas?+
Gillespie County has an estimated population of 28,527 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Gillespie County?+
Gillespie County has a population density of approximately 26.9 people per square mile across its 1,061 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Gillespie County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Gillespie County ranks #99 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.09% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Gillespie County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Gillespie, Kerr County is the most populous with about 54,037 residents.
How is Gillespie 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.