Population overview
Zapata County is home to roughly 13,753 people, making up about 0.04% of the total population of Texas. Within the South Texas region, it ranks #15 of 26 counties by population. The combination of 997 square miles of land and 13,753 residents yields a density of about 13.8 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Zapata County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Zapata County sits in the lower 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 Zapata |
|---|---|---|
| Zapata County | 13,753 | — |
| South Texas region average | 157,697 | +1047% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +38% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +36583% |
Neighboring county populations
Zapata 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webb County | Laredo | 281,224 | 83.8 |
| Starr County | Rio Grande City | 66,319 | 54.2 |
| Jim Hogg County | Hebbronville | 4,555 | 4.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Zapata County, Texas?+
Zapata County has an estimated population of 13,753 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Zapata County?+
Zapata County has a population density of approximately 13.8 people per square mile across its 997 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Zapata County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Zapata County ranks #146 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 Zapata County?+
Among the 3 counties bordering Zapata, Webb County is the most populous with about 281,224 residents.
How is Zapata 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.