Population overview
Nacogdoches County is home to roughly 66,035 people, making up about 0.21% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #13 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 947 square miles of land and 66,035 residents yields a density of about 69.7 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 Nacogdoches County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Nacogdoches County sits in the top 25% 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 Nacogdoches |
|---|---|---|
| Nacogdoches County | 66,035 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | -2% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -71% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +7540% |
Neighboring county populations
Nacogdoches County shares borders with 5 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angelina County | Lufkin | 88,154 | 109.9 |
| Rusk County | Henderson | 54,854 | 59.4 |
| Cherokee County | Rusk | 53,337 | 50.7 |
| Shelby County | Center | 24,286 | 30.6 |
| San Augustine County | San Augustine | 7,722 | 14.6 |
What the numbers mean
Nacogdoches County's density of about 69.7 people per square mile is about 58% of the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 9 acres of land for every resident.
At this density the county is anchored by one or two real towns, with farms and ranches between them. Hospitals, school districts and retail tend to concentrate in Nacogdoches, which draws shoppers and workers from surrounding rural areas.
Nacogdoches County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 58th of 254; by land area it ranks 86th; and by density it ranks 64th. Its population and land area rank fairly close together, a balanced profile for Texas.
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. Nacogdoches County sits in the middle ground between the big metros and the rural majority.
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 Nacogdoches County, Texas?+
Nacogdoches County has an estimated population of 66,035 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Nacogdoches County?+
Nacogdoches County has a population density of approximately 69.7 people per square mile across its 947 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Nacogdoches County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Nacogdoches County ranks #58 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.21% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Nacogdoches County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Nacogdoches, Angelina County is the most populous with about 88,154 residents.
How is Nacogdoches 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.