Population overview
Rusk County is home to roughly 54,854 people, making up about 0.17% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #16 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 924 square miles of land and 54,854 residents yields a density of about 59.4 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 Rusk County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Rusk 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 Rusk |
|---|---|---|
| Rusk County | 54,854 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | +18% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -66% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +9097% |
Neighboring county populations
Rusk 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith County | Tyler | 252,549 | 272.1 |
| Gregg County | Longview | 126,095 | 460.2 |
| Harrison County | Marshall | 71,956 | 80.0 |
| Nacogdoches County | Nacogdoches | 66,035 | 69.7 |
| Cherokee County | Rusk | 53,337 | 50.7 |
| Shelby County | Center | 24,286 | 30.6 |
| Panola County | Carthage | 23,018 | 28.7 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Rusk County, Texas?+
Rusk County has an estimated population of 54,854 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Rusk County?+
Rusk County has a population density of approximately 59.4 people per square mile across its 924 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Rusk County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Rusk County ranks #68 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 Rusk County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Rusk, Smith County is the most populous with about 252,549 residents.
How is Rusk 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.