Population overview
Panola County is home to roughly 23,018 people, making up about 0.07% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #29 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 801 square miles of land and 23,018 residents yields a density of about 28.7 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 Panola County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Panola 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 Panola |
|---|---|---|
| Panola County | 23,018 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | +182% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -18% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +21818% |
Neighboring county populations
Panola County shares borders with 3 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison County | Marshall | 71,956 | 80.0 |
| Rusk County | Henderson | 54,854 | 59.4 |
| Shelby County | Center | 24,286 | 30.6 |
What the numbers mean
Panola County's density of about 28.7 people per square mile is about 24% of the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 22 acres of land for every resident.
Rural density like this means long drives to services, small school districts that are often the heart of community life, and an economy closely tied to agriculture, energy or recreation.
Panola County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 108th of 254; by land area it ranks 196th; and by density it ranks 112th. It punches above its size — more people than its land area alone would suggest.
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. Panola County belongs to that large group of smaller counties.
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 Panola County, Texas?+
Panola County has an estimated population of 23,018 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Panola County?+
Panola County has a population density of approximately 28.7 people per square mile across its 801 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Panola County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Panola County ranks #108 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.07% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Panola County?+
Among the 3 counties bordering Panola, Harrison County is the most populous with about 71,956 residents.
How is Panola 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.