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 |
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.