Population overview
Matagorda County is home to roughly 36,463 people, making up about 0.11% of the total population of Texas. Within the Gulf Coast region, it ranks #7 of 7 counties by population. The combination of 1,114 square miles of land and 36,463 residents yields a density of about 32.7 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 Matagorda County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Matagorda 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 Matagorda |
|---|---|---|
| Matagorda County | 36,463 | — |
| Gulf Coast region average | 1,022,840 | +2705% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -48% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +13736% |
Neighboring county populations
Matagorda 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazoria County | Angleton | 419,080 | 302.1 |
| Wharton County | Wharton | 42,060 | 38.6 |
| Calhoun County | Port Lavaca | 19,599 | 38.3 |
| Jackson County | Edna | 15,393 | 18.5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Matagorda County, Texas?+
Matagorda County has an estimated population of 36,463 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Matagorda County?+
Matagorda County has a population density of approximately 32.7 people per square mile across its 1,114 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Matagorda County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Matagorda County ranks #87 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.11% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Matagorda County?+
Among the 4 counties bordering Matagorda, Brazoria County is the most populous with about 419,080 residents.
How is Matagorda 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.