Population overview
Smith County is home to roughly 252,549 people, making up about 0.80% of the total population of Texas. Within the East Texas region, it ranks #2 of 44 counties by population. The combination of 928 square miles of land and 252,549 residents yields a density of about 272.1 people per square mile — typical of suburban Texas, with a mix of subdivisions, commercial corridors, and remaining rural land.
How Smith County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Smith County sits in the top 10% of the population distribution. It belongs to the upper tier of Texas counties — sizable enough to support diverse local services and infrastructure.
| Comparison | Population | vs Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Smith County | 252,549 | — |
| East Texas region average | 64,981 | -74% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -93% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +1898% |
Neighboring county populations
Smith 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gregg County | Longview | 126,095 | 460.2 |
| Henderson County | Athens | 88,595 | 101.4 |
| Van Zandt County | Canton | 66,130 | 77.9 |
| Rusk County | Henderson | 54,854 | 59.4 |
| Cherokee County | Rusk | 53,337 | 50.7 |
| Wood County | Quitman | 49,688 | 76.4 |
| Upshur County | Gilmer | 44,410 | 75.5 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Smith County, Texas?+
Smith County has an estimated population of 252,549 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Smith County?+
Smith County has a population density of approximately 272.1 people per square mile across its 928 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a suburban county.
Where does Smith County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Smith County ranks #23 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.80% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Smith County?+
Among the 7 counties bordering Smith, Gregg County is the most populous with about 126,095 residents.
How is Smith 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.