Population overview
Palo Pinto County is home to roughly 30,791 people, making up about 0.10% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #26 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 953 square miles of land and 30,791 residents yields a density of about 32.3 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 Palo Pinto County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Palo Pinto 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 Palo Pinto |
|---|---|---|
| Palo Pinto County | 30,791 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +163% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -39% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +16285% |
Neighboring county populations
Palo Pinto County shares borders with 7 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parker County | Weatherford | 184,767 | 204.4 |
| Hood County | Granbury | 70,501 | 167.1 |
| Erath County | Stephenville | 43,911 | 40.4 |
| Young County | Graham | 18,154 | 19.7 |
| Eastland County | Eastland | 18,143 | 19.6 |
| Jack County | Jacksboro | 9,563 | 10.4 |
| Stephens County | Breckenridge | 9,380 | 10.5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Palo Pinto County, Texas?+
Palo Pinto County has an estimated population of 30,791 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Palo Pinto County?+
Palo Pinto County has a population density of approximately 32.3 people per square mile across its 953 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Palo Pinto County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Palo Pinto County ranks #94 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.10% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Palo Pinto County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Palo Pinto, Parker County is the most populous with about 184,767 residents.
How is Palo Pinto 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.