Population overview
Willacy County is home to roughly 19,971 people, making up about 0.06% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #42 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 597 square miles of land and 19,971 residents yields a density of about 33.5 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 Willacy County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Willacy County sits in the upper half 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 Willacy |
|---|---|---|
| Willacy County | 19,971 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +306% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -5% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +25162% |
Neighboring county populations
Willacy County shares borders with 3 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 |
| Cameron County | Brownsville | 433,946 | 479.0 |
| Kenedy County | Sarita | 319 | 0.2 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Willacy County, Texas?+
Willacy County has an estimated population of 19,971 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Willacy County?+
Willacy County has a population density of approximately 33.5 people per square mile across its 597 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Willacy County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Willacy County ranks #124 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.06% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Willacy County?+
Among the 3 counties bordering Willacy, Hidalgo County is the most populous with about 921,549 residents.
How is Willacy 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.