Counties in the Gulf Coast region
All 7 counties, sorted alphabetically. Click any county for its full profile, map, and demographics.
Geography & character of Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast region surrounds Houston and Galveston Bay — a powerhouse of petrochemicals, ports, aerospace, and medicine. Marshes, bays, and barrier islands give way inland to suburban counties that are among the fastest growing in Texas.
Together, the 7 counties of the Gulf Coast region cover roughly 7,007 square miles — that's 2.6% of Texas's total land area — and are home to about 7,159,882 residents, or roughly 1021.8 people per square mile. The most populous county in the region is Harris County (about 5,045,026 residents), while the largest by land area is Harris County (1,729 sq mi).
Frequently asked questions
How many counties are in the Gulf Coast region?+
The Gulf Coast region contains 7 of Texas's 254 counties.
Which is the largest county in Gulf Coast by population?+
Harris County, with about 5,045,026 residents.
Which is the smallest county in Gulf Coast by population?+
Matagorda County, with about 36,463 residents.
What is the total area of the Gulf Coast region?+
Approximately 7,007 square miles across all 7 counties.
How can I see a real map of the Gulf Coast region?+
Use the interactive map at the top of this page — toggle Roads, Terrain, or Satellite basemaps to view authentic geography from Esri imagery, with all 7 county boundaries drawn from Census TIGER data.