Population overview
Polk County is home to roughly 53,434 people, making up about 0.17% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #17 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 1,057 square miles of land and 53,434 residents yields a density of about 50.6 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 Polk County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Polk 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 Polk |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County | 53,434 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | +22% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -65% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +9342% |
Neighboring county populations
Polk County shares borders with 6 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty County | Liberty | 121,364 | 104.6 |
| Angelina County | Lufkin | 88,154 | 109.9 |
| Hardin County | Kountze | 58,723 | 65.7 |
| San Jacinto County | Coldspring | 29,488 | 51.6 |
| Tyler County | Woodville | 20,443 | 22.1 |
| Trinity County | Groveton | 14,384 | 20.8 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Polk County, Texas?+
Polk County has an estimated population of 53,434 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Polk County?+
Polk County has a population density of approximately 50.6 people per square mile across its 1,057 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Polk County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Polk County ranks #71 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.17% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Polk County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Polk, Liberty County is the most populous with about 121,364 residents.
How is Polk 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.