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 |
What the numbers mean
Smith County's density of about 272.1 people per square mile is 2.2 times the Texas statewide average of roughly 121. Put another way, there are about 2 acres of land for every resident.
This is the density of a commuter county: much of the population lives in subdivisions connected to a nearby metro by highway. Counties in this band often see school enrollment, road construction and new utility districts as their biggest growth pressures.
Smith County in statewide context
By population the county ranks 23rd of 254; by land area it ranks 102nd; and by density it ranks 27th. It punches above its size — more people than its land area alone would suggest.
Texas's population is extremely concentrated: the ten largest counties hold well over half of all Texans, while more than 150 counties have fewer than 30,000 residents. Smith County sits in the middle ground between the big metros and the rural majority.
About the data
Population figures on this page come from the U.S. Census Bureau. The decennial census provides the official count every ten years, and the Bureau's annual Population Estimates Program updates county totals between censuses. Land area comes from the Census Gazetteer and excludes water. Figures are rounded and may differ slightly from county or school district estimates that use other methods. See our methodology page for details.
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.