Population overview
Pecos County is home to roughly 14,560 people, making up about 0.05% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #15 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 4,764 square miles of land and 14,560 residents yields a density of about 3.1 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Pecos County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Pecos 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 Pecos |
|---|---|---|
| Pecos County | 14,560 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | +200% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +30% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +34550% |
Neighboring county populations
Pecos 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reeves County | Pecos | 12,138 | 4.6 |
| Ward County | Monahans | 11,125 | 13.3 |
| Brewster County | Alpine | 9,458 | 1.5 |
| Crane County | Crane | 4,554 | 5.8 |
| Crockett County | Ozona | 2,769 | 1.0 |
| Jeff Davis County | Fort Davis | 1,711 | 0.8 |
| Terrell County | Sanderson | 702 | 0.3 |
What the numbers mean
Pecos County's density of about 3.1 people per square mile is about 3% of the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 209 acres of land for every resident.
Below about six people per square mile, a county is often described as "frontier." Residents may live many miles from a hospital or full-service grocery, and county government is a small operation where a few officials wear many hats.
Pecos County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 140th of 254; by land area it ranks 2nd; and by density it ranks 218th. It has far more land than people compared with most Texas counties.
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. Pecos 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 Pecos County, Texas?+
Pecos County has an estimated population of 14,560 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Pecos County?+
Pecos County has a population density of approximately 3.1 people per square mile across its 4,764 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Pecos County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Pecos County ranks #140 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.05% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Pecos County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Pecos, Reeves County is the most populous with about 12,138 residents.
How is Pecos 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.