Population overview
Mitchell County is home to roughly 8,947 people, making up about 0.03% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #58 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 910 square miles of land and 8,947 residents yields a density of about 9.8 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Mitchell County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Mitchell 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 Mitchell |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell County | 8,947 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +806% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +111% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +56288% |
Neighboring county populations
Mitchell 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard County | Big Spring | 30,504 | 33.8 |
| Scurry County | Snyder | 16,162 | 17.9 |
| Nolan County | Sweetwater | 14,117 | 15.5 |
| Coke County | Robert Lee | 3,412 | 3.8 |
| Sterling County | Sterling City | 1,349 | 1.5 |
| Borden County | Gail | 567 | 0.6 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Mitchell County, Texas?+
Mitchell County has an estimated population of 8,947 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Mitchell County?+
Mitchell County has a population density of approximately 9.8 people per square mile across its 910 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Mitchell County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Mitchell County ranks #174 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 Mitchell County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Mitchell, Howard County is the most populous with about 30,504 residents.
How is Mitchell 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.