Population overview
San Patricio County is home to roughly 72,053 people, making up about 0.23% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #15 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 692 square miles of land and 72,053 residents yields a density of about 104.1 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 San Patricio County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, San Patricio County sits in the top 25% 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 San Patricio |
|---|---|---|
| San Patricio County | 72,053 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +12% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -74% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +6902% |
Neighboring county populations
San Patricio 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nueces County | Corpus Christi | 352,992 | 422.2 |
| Jim Wells County | Alice | 38,804 | 44.9 |
| Bee County | Beeville | 32,515 | 36.9 |
| Aransas County | Rockport | 26,146 | 103.8 |
| Live Oak County | George West | 11,929 | 11.5 |
| Refugio County | Refugio | 6,657 | 8.6 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of San Patricio County, Texas?+
San Patricio County has an estimated population of 72,053 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of San Patricio County?+
San Patricio County has a population density of approximately 104.1 people per square mile across its 692 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does San Patricio County rank among Texas counties by population?+
San Patricio County ranks #52 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.23% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near San Patricio County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering San Patricio, Nueces County is the most populous with about 352,992 residents.
How is San Patricio 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.