Population overview
Gray County is home to roughly 20,919 people, making up about 0.07% of the total population of Texas. Within the Panhandle region, it ranks #1 of 10 counties by population. The combination of 928 square miles of land and 20,919 residents yields a density of about 22.5 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Gray County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Gray 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 Gray |
|---|---|---|
| Gray County | 20,919 | — |
| Panhandle region average | 5,696 | -73% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -10% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +24017% |
Neighboring county populations
Gray County shares borders with 4 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carson County | Panhandle | 5,805 | 6.3 |
| Wheeler County | Wheeler | 4,773 | 5.2 |
| Donley County | Clarendon | 3,213 | 3.5 |
| Roberts County | Miami | 867 | 0.9 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Gray County, Texas?+
Gray County has an estimated population of 20,919 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Gray County?+
Gray County has a population density of approximately 22.5 people per square mile across its 928 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Gray County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Gray County ranks #116 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.07% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Gray County?+
Among the 4 counties bordering Gray, Carson County is the most populous with about 5,805 residents.
How is Gray 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.