Texas County Population Guide

Across all 254 counties, Texas has an estimated population of about 31,709,821 residents based on the most recent figures aggregated in our dataset. Texas is the second most populous U.S. state, behind only California.

Harris County, home to Houston, is the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States, with more than 4.7 million residents. It is followed by Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and Travis counties — together they account for roughly half of the state's total population.

Loving County, in far West Texas, is the least populated county in both Texas and the entire United States, with fewer than 100 residents. Kenedy, King, Borden, and McMullen counties round out the five smallest by population.

Population figures on this site are sourced from the most recent U.S. Census Bureau decennial census and the American Community Survey (ACS) annual population estimates. Numbers are updated as the Census Bureau releases new vintages. See our methodology page for full provenance.

Counties in the Texas Triangle (Houston–Dallas–San Antonio–Austin) consistently rank among the fastest-growing in the United States. Comal, Kaufman, Rockwall, Hays, Williamson, Fort Bend, Denton, and Collin are among the standouts, driven by suburban expansion around major metros.

Population density divides total population by land area (people per square mile). Urban counties like Dallas and Harris exceed 2,500 people/sq mi, while remote West Texas counties such as Loving, Hudspeth, and Brewster fall below 1 person/sq mi.

Texas has 254 counties — more than any other U.S. state. Each county functions as the primary unit of local government, with its own county seat, commissioners court, sheriff, and district clerk.