Population overview
Zavala County is home to roughly 9,037 people, making up about 0.03% of the total population of Texas. Within the South Texas region, it ranks #18 of 26 counties by population. The combination of 1,299 square miles of land and 9,037 residents yields a density of about 7.0 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Zavala County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Zavala 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 Zavala |
|---|---|---|
| Zavala County | 9,037 | — |
| South Texas region average | 157,697 | +1645% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +109% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +55726% |
Neighboring county populations
Zavala 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maverick County | Eagle Pass | 58,823 | 46.0 |
| Uvalde County | Uvalde | 24,963 | 16.0 |
| Frio County | Pearsall | 18,823 | 16.6 |
| Dimmit County | Carrizo Springs | 8,024 | 6.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Zavala County, Texas?+
Zavala County has an estimated population of 9,037 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Zavala County?+
Zavala County has a population density of approximately 7.0 people per square mile across its 1,299 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Zavala County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Zavala County ranks #173 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.03% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Zavala County?+
Among the 4 counties bordering Zavala, Maverick County is the most populous with about 58,823 residents.
How is Zavala 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.