Population overview
Nolan County is home to roughly 14,117 people, making up about 0.04% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #54 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 912 square miles of land and 14,117 residents yields a density of about 15.5 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Nolan County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Nolan 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 Nolan |
|---|---|---|
| Nolan County | 14,117 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +474% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +34% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +35637% |
Neighboring county populations
Nolan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor County | Abilene | 150,077 | 163.8 |
| Runnels County | Ballinger | 9,693 | 9.2 |
| Mitchell County | Colorado City | 8,947 | 9.8 |
| Fisher County | Roby | 3,692 | 4.1 |
| Coke County | Robert Lee | 3,412 | 3.8 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Nolan County, Texas?+
Nolan County has an estimated population of 14,117 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Nolan County?+
Nolan County has a population density of approximately 15.5 people per square mile across its 912 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Nolan County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Nolan County ranks #145 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.04% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Nolan County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Nolan, Taylor County is the most populous with about 150,077 residents.
How is Nolan 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.