Population overview
Starr County is home to roughly 66,319 people, making up about 0.21% of the total population of Texas. Within the South Texas region, it ranks #5 of 26 counties by population. The combination of 1,223 square miles of land and 66,319 residents yields a density of about 54.2 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 Starr County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Starr 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 Starr |
|---|---|---|
| Starr County | 66,319 | — |
| South Texas region average | 157,697 | +138% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -71% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +7507% |
Neighboring county populations
Starr County shares borders with 4 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidalgo County | Edinburg | 921,549 | 587.3 |
| Zapata County | Zapata | 13,753 | 13.8 |
| Brooks County | Falfurrias | 6,579 | 7.0 |
| Jim Hogg County | Hebbronville | 4,555 | 4.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Starr County, Texas?+
Starr County has an estimated population of 66,319 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Starr County?+
Starr County has a population density of approximately 54.2 people per square mile across its 1,223 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Starr County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Starr County ranks #56 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.21% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Starr County?+
Among the 4 counties bordering Starr, Hidalgo County is the most populous with about 921,549 residents.
How is Starr 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.