Population overview
Marion County is home to roughly 9,896 people, making up about 0.03% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #42 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 381 square miles of land and 9,896 residents yields a density of about 26.0 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 Marion County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Marion County sits in the lower half of the population distribution. It belongs to the smaller end of Texas counties by population — typical of West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Trans-Pecos.
| Comparison | Population | vs Marion |
|---|---|---|
| Marion County | 9,896 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | +557% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +91% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +50880% |
Neighboring county populations
Marion County shares borders with 4 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison County | Marshall | 71,956 | 80.0 |
| Upshur County | Gilmer | 44,410 | 75.5 |
| Cass County | Linden | 28,651 | 30.5 |
| Morris County | Daingerfield | 12,133 | 47.8 |
What the numbers mean
Marion County's density of about 26.0 people per square mile is about 21% of the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 25 acres of land for every resident.
Rural density like this means long drives to services, small school districts that are often the heart of community life, and an economy closely tied to agriculture, energy or recreation.
Marion County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 164th of 254; by land area it ranks 244th; and by density it ranks 115th. It punches above its size — more people than its land area alone would suggest.
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. Marion County belongs to that large group of smaller counties.
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 Marion County, Texas?+
Marion County has an estimated population of 9,896 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Marion County?+
Marion County has a population density of approximately 26.0 people per square mile across its 381 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Marion County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Marion County ranks #164 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.03% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Marion County?+
Among the 4 counties bordering Marion, Harrison County is the most populous with about 71,956 residents.
How is Marion 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.