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 |
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.