Population overview
Runnels County is home to roughly 9,693 people, making up about 0.03% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #56 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 1,054 square miles of land and 9,693 residents yields a density of about 9.2 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Runnels County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Runnels County sits in the lower half of the population distribution. It belongs to the smaller end of Texas counties by population — typical of West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Trans-Pecos.
| Comparison | Population | vs Runnels |
|---|---|---|
| Runnels County | 9,693 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +736% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +95% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +51948% |
Neighboring county populations
Runnels 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor County | Abilene | 150,077 | 163.8 |
| Tom Green County | San Angelo | 120,602 | 79.2 |
| Nolan County | Sweetwater | 14,117 | 15.5 |
| Coleman County | Coleman | 7,915 | 6.2 |
| Concho County | Paint Rock | 3,607 | 3.6 |
| Coke County | Robert Lee | 3,412 | 3.8 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Runnels County, Texas?+
Runnels County has an estimated population of 9,693 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Runnels County?+
Runnels County has a population density of approximately 9.2 people per square mile across its 1,054 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Runnels County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Runnels County ranks #165 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.03% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Runnels County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Runnels, Taylor County is the most populous with about 150,077 residents.
How is Runnels 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.