Population overview
Howard County is home to roughly 30,504 people, making up about 0.10% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #8 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 903 square miles of land and 30,504 residents yields a density of about 33.8 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 Howard County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Howard County sits in the upper half 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 Howard |
|---|---|---|
| Howard County | 30,504 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | +43% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -38% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +16439% |
Neighboring county populations
Howard 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell County | Colorado City | 8,947 | 9.8 |
| Martin County | Stanton | 5,284 | 5.8 |
| Sterling County | Sterling City | 1,349 | 1.5 |
| Glasscock County | Garden City | 1,128 | 1.3 |
| Borden County | Gail | 567 | 0.6 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Howard County, Texas?+
Howard County has an estimated population of 30,504 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Howard County?+
Howard County has a population density of approximately 33.8 people per square mile across its 903 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Howard County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Howard County ranks #95 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.10% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Howard County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Howard, Mitchell County is the most populous with about 8,947 residents.
How is Howard 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.