Population overview
Hartley County is home to roughly 4,904 people, making up about 0.02% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #32 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 1,462 square miles of land and 4,904 residents yields a density of about 3.4 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Hartley County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Hartley County sits in the bottom 25% of the population distribution. It belongs to the smaller end of Texas counties by population — typical of West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Trans-Pecos.
| Comparison | Population | vs Hartley |
|---|---|---|
| Hartley County | 4,904 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | +790% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +286% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +102776% |
Neighboring county populations
Hartley County shares borders with 3 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moore County | Dumas | 21,891 | 24.3 |
| Dallam County | Dalhart | 7,508 | 5.0 |
| Oldham County | Vega | 1,783 | 1.2 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Hartley County, Texas?+
Hartley County has an estimated population of 4,904 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Hartley County?+
Hartley County has a population density of approximately 3.4 people per square mile across its 1,462 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Hartley County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Hartley County ranks #199 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.02% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Hartley County?+
Among the 3 counties bordering Hartley, Moore County is the most populous with about 21,891 residents.
How is Hartley 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.