Population overview
Henderson County is home to roughly 88,595 people, making up about 0.28% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #6 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 874 square miles of land and 88,595 residents yields a density of about 101.4 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 Henderson County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Henderson County sits in the top 25% of the population distribution. It belongs to the upper tier of Texas counties — sizable enough to support diverse local services and infrastructure.
| Comparison | Population | vs Henderson |
|---|---|---|
| Henderson County | 88,595 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | -27% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -79% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +5594% |
Neighboring county populations
Henderson County shares borders with 8 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith County | Tyler | 252,549 | 272.1 |
| Ellis County | Waxahachie | 240,867 | 256.2 |
| Kaufman County | Kaufman | 209,235 | 266.2 |
| Van Zandt County | Canton | 66,130 | 77.9 |
| Anderson County | Palestine | 59,805 | 55.8 |
| Navarro County | Corsicana | 57,181 | 53.4 |
| Cherokee County | Rusk | 53,337 | 50.7 |
| Freestone County | Fairfield | 20,811 | 23.5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Henderson County, Texas?+
Henderson County has an estimated population of 88,595 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Henderson County?+
Henderson County has a population density of approximately 101.4 people per square mile across its 874 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Henderson County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Henderson County ranks #46 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.28% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Henderson County?+
Among the 8 counties bordering Henderson, Smith County is the most populous with about 252,549 residents.
How is Henderson 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.