Population overview
Hardin County is home to roughly 58,723 people, making up about 0.19% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #15 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 894 square miles of land and 58,723 residents yields a density of about 65.7 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 Hardin County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Hardin County sits in the top 25% 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 Hardin |
|---|---|---|
| Hardin County | 58,723 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | +11% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -68% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +8491% |
Neighboring county populations
Hardin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | Beaumont | 254,321 | 281.3 |
| Liberty County | Liberty | 121,364 | 104.6 |
| Orange County | Orange | 86,266 | 242.3 |
| Polk County | Livingston | 53,434 | 50.6 |
| Jasper County | Jasper | 33,075 | 35.3 |
| Tyler County | Woodville | 20,443 | 22.1 |
What the numbers mean
Hardin County's density of about 65.7 people per square mile is about 54% of the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 10 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 Kountze, which draws shoppers and workers from surrounding rural areas.
Hardin County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 61st of 254; by land area it ranks 162nd; and by density it ranks 67th. 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. Hardin 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 Hardin County, Texas?+
Hardin County has an estimated population of 58,723 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Hardin County?+
Hardin County has a population density of approximately 65.7 people per square mile across its 894 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Hardin County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Hardin County ranks #61 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.19% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Hardin County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Hardin, Jefferson County is the most populous with about 254,321 residents.
How is Hardin 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.