Population overview
Ward County is home to roughly 11,125 people, making up about 0.04% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #20 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 836 square miles of land and 11,125 residents yields a density of about 13.3 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Ward County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Ward County sits in the lower half of the population distribution. It belongs to the smaller end of Texas counties by population — typical of West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Trans-Pecos.
| Comparison | Population | vs Ward |
|---|---|---|
| Ward County | 11,125 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | +292% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +70% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +45249% |
Neighboring county populations
Ward 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ector County | Odessa | 173,801 | 192.9 |
| Pecos County | Fort Stockton | 14,560 | 3.1 |
| Reeves County | Pecos | 12,138 | 4.6 |
| Winkler County | Kermit | 7,540 | 9.0 |
| Crane County | Crane | 4,554 | 5.8 |
| Loving County | Mentone | 52 | 0.1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Ward County, Texas?+
Ward County has an estimated population of 11,125 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Ward County?+
Ward County has a population density of approximately 13.3 people per square mile across its 836 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Ward County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Ward County ranks #159 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.04% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Ward County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Ward, Ector County is the most populous with about 173,801 residents.
How is Ward 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.