Population overview
Jim Wells County is home to roughly 38,804 people, making up about 0.12% of the total population of Texas. Within the South Texas region, it ranks #11 of 26 counties by population. The combination of 865 square miles of land and 38,804 residents yields a density of about 44.9 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 Jim Wells County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Jim Wells 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 Jim Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Wells County | 38,804 | — |
| South Texas region average | 157,697 | +306% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -51% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +12901% |
Neighboring county populations
Jim Wells County shares borders with 6 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nueces County | Corpus Christi | 352,992 | 422.2 |
| San Patricio County | Sinton | 72,053 | 104.1 |
| Kleberg County | Kingsville | 30,315 | 34.8 |
| Live Oak County | George West | 11,929 | 11.5 |
| Duval County | San Diego | 9,402 | 5.2 |
| Brooks County | Falfurrias | 6,579 | 7.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Jim Wells County, Texas?+
Jim Wells County has an estimated population of 38,804 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Jim Wells County?+
Jim Wells County has a population density of approximately 44.9 people per square mile across its 865 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Jim Wells County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Jim Wells County ranks #84 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.12% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Jim Wells County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Jim Wells, Nueces County is the most populous with about 352,992 residents.
How is Jim Wells 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.