Population overview
Hidalgo County is home to roughly 921,549 people, making up about 2.91% of the total population of Texas. Within the South Texas region, it ranks #2 of 26 counties by population. The combination of 1,569 square miles of land and 921,549 residents yields a density of about 587.3 people per square mile — typical of suburban Texas, with a mix of subdivisions, commercial corridors, and remaining rural land.
How Hidalgo County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Hidalgo County sits in the top 10% of the population distribution. It is one of the top-tier urban counties driving Texas's overall growth and economy.
| Comparison | Population | vs Hidalgo |
|---|---|---|
| Hidalgo County | 921,549 | — |
| South Texas region average | 157,697 | -83% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -98% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +447% |
Neighboring county populations
Hidalgo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron County | Brownsville | 433,946 | 479.0 |
| Starr County | Rio Grande City | 66,319 | 54.2 |
| Willacy County | Raymondville | 19,971 | 33.5 |
| Brooks County | Falfurrias | 6,579 | 7.0 |
| Kenedy County | Sarita | 319 | 0.2 |
What the numbers mean
Hidalgo County's density of about 587.3 people per square mile is 4.9 times the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 1 acres of land for every resident.
A density this high means most residents live in incorporated cities and continuous suburbs. Population size drives the county's large budget, its many courts and precincts, and its weight in statewide elections — a county of this size elects multiple state representatives on its own.
Hidalgo County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 9th of 254; by land area it ranks 15th; and by density it ranks 14th. Its population and land area rank fairly close together, a balanced profile for Texas.
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. Hidalgo County is one of those ten.
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 Hidalgo County, Texas?+
Hidalgo County has an estimated population of 921,549 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Hidalgo County?+
Hidalgo County has a population density of approximately 587.3 people per square mile across its 1,569 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a suburban county.
Where does Hidalgo County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Hidalgo County ranks #9 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 2.91% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Hidalgo County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Hidalgo, Cameron County is the most populous with about 433,946 residents.
How is Hidalgo 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.