Population overview
Harrison County is home to roughly 71,956 people, making up about 0.23% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #10 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 899 square miles of land and 71,956 residents yields a density of about 80.0 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 Harrison County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Harrison 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 Harrison |
|---|---|---|
| Harrison County | 71,956 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | -10% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -74% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +6911% |
Neighboring county populations
Harrison 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gregg County | Longview | 126,095 | 460.2 |
| Rusk County | Henderson | 54,854 | 59.4 |
| Upshur County | Gilmer | 44,410 | 75.5 |
| Panola County | Carthage | 23,018 | 28.7 |
| Marion County | Jefferson | 9,896 | 26.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Harrison County, Texas?+
Harrison County has an estimated population of 71,956 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Harrison County?+
Harrison County has a population density of approximately 80.0 people per square mile across its 899 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Harrison County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Harrison County ranks #53 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.23% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Harrison County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Harrison, Gregg County is the most populous with about 126,095 residents.
How is Harrison 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.