Population overview
Wise County is home to roughly 83,778 people, making up about 0.26% of the total population of Texas. Within the North Texas region, it ranks #13 of 36 counties by population. The combination of 905 square miles of land and 83,778 residents yields a density of about 92.6 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 Wise County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Wise 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 Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Wise County | 83,778 | — |
| North Texas region average | 252,448 | +201% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -77% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +5922% |
Neighboring county populations
Wise 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County | Fort Worth | 2,248,466 | 2602.4 |
| Denton County | Denton | 1,069,346 | 1204.2 |
| Parker County | Weatherford | 184,767 | 204.4 |
| Cooke County | Gainesville | 44,461 | 50.9 |
| Montague County | Montague | 21,966 | 23.6 |
| Jack County | Jacksboro | 9,563 | 10.4 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Wise County, Texas?+
Wise County has an estimated population of 83,778 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Wise County?+
Wise County has a population density of approximately 92.6 people per square mile across its 905 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Wise County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Wise County ranks #51 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.26% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Wise County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Wise, Tarrant County is the most populous with about 2,248,466 residents.
How is Wise 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.