Population overview
Karnes County is home to roughly 15,018 people, making up about 0.05% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #51 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 750 square miles of land and 15,018 residents yields a density of about 20.0 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Karnes County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Karnes County sits in the lower 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 Karnes |
|---|---|---|
| Karnes County | 15,018 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +439% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +26% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +33493% |
Neighboring county populations
Karnes County shares borders with 7 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson County | Floresville | 56,139 | 69.6 |
| Atascosa County | Jourdanton | 53,590 | 43.5 |
| Bee County | Beeville | 32,515 | 36.9 |
| DeWitt County | Cuero | 20,309 | 22.3 |
| Gonzales County | Gonzales | 20,159 | 18.9 |
| Live Oak County | George West | 11,929 | 11.5 |
| Goliad County | Goliad | 7,208 | 8.4 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Karnes County, Texas?+
Karnes County has an estimated population of 15,018 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Karnes County?+
Karnes County has a population density of approximately 20.0 people per square mile across its 750 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Karnes County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Karnes County ranks #139 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.05% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Karnes County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Karnes, Wilson County is the most populous with about 56,139 residents.
How is Karnes 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.