Texas Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

by countryaah · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated October 27, 2024

How many counties are there in Texas? As of 2024, there are a total of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Among them, Austin County is the oldest one (established in 1836) while Kenedy County is the youngest (established in 1921). With population of 4,652,980, Harris County is the most populated. The biggest county by land area is Brewster County (16,040 km²) and the smallest is Rockwall County (386 km²).

Largest Counties in Texas

1. Brewster County

County Overview

County Seat: Alpine
Area: 6,192 square miles
Population: 9,546 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 432
Latitude: 29.6732° N
Longitude: 103.4068° W

Location and History

Brewster County, located in the southwestern part of Texas, is the largest county in the state by area. The county was established in 1887 and named after Henry Percy Brewster, a Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas. The county seat, Alpine, is known for its cooler climate, arts community, and as a gateway to Big Bend National Park. Brewster County’s history is closely tied to the development of the railroads and ranching in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The county’s vast landscapes include the Chihuahuan Desert, the Davis Mountains, and the Rio Grande, making it a region of significant ecological diversity and natural beauty.

Major Highways and Landmarks

U.S. Route 90 and U.S. Route 385 are the primary highways that traverse Brewster County, providing access to the county’s major attractions. Major landmarks include Big Bend National Park, one of the largest and most remote national parks in the United States, known for its stunning desert landscapes, canyons, and wildlife. The county is also home to the McDonald Observatory, located in the Davis Mountains, which offers public star parties and educational programs. Additionally, the historic Marfa Lights Viewing Area, located near the town of Marfa, attracts visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious lights that have been reported in the area for over a century.

2. Pecos County

County Overview

County Seat: Fort Stockton
Area: 4,765 square miles
Population: 15,823 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 432
Latitude: 30.8913° N
Longitude: 102.8793° W

Location and History

Pecos County is located in western Texas and is known for its vast ranchlands and oil production. The county was established in 1871 and named after the Pecos River, which forms its southern boundary. Fort Stockton, the county seat, was originally a military post established to protect settlers and travelers from Native American attacks during the westward expansion. The county’s history is marked by its role in the development of the cattle industry and the discovery of oil in the early 20th century, which transformed the region’s economy. Today, Pecos County remains an important center for ranching, oil production, and agriculture.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 285 are the major highways that run through Pecos County, providing connections to El Paso, San Antonio, and other parts of Texas. Major landmarks include the Fort Stockton Historic District, which preserves the remnants of the old fort and offers insights into the region’s military history. The county is also home to the Balmorhea State Park, which features the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool and offers opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, and wildlife observation. Additionally, the county’s landscape includes part of the Trans-Pecos region, known for its rugged terrain and unique desert flora and fauna.

3. Hudspeth County

County Overview

County Seat: Sierra Blanca
Area: 4,571 square miles
Population: 3,476 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 915
Latitude: 31.1782° N
Longitude: 105.3028° W

Location and History

Hudspeth County is located in far west Texas, bordering New Mexico to the north and Mexico to the south. The county was established in 1917 and named after Claude Benton Hudspeth, a U.S. Representative from Texas. Sierra Blanca, the county seat, is a small town located along Interstate 10, known for its historical significance as a railway junction and for its proximity to the Texas-Mexico border. The county’s history is tied to the development of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the ranching industry, which have been central to the region’s economy. Hudspeth County is characterized by its vast, sparsely populated desert landscapes and its role as a gateway to the Chihuahuan Desert.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Interstate 10 is the primary highway that runs through Hudspeth County, providing access to El Paso and San Antonio. Major landmarks include the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located partially within the county, which features the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The county is also home to the Salt Flat, a historic site associated with the San Elizario Salt War, a conflict over access to the natural salt deposits in the area. Additionally, the Sierra Blanca Range, a series of low mountains, provides scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

4. Presidio County

County Overview

County Seat: Marfa
Area: 3,856 square miles
Population: 6,131 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 432
Latitude: 29.6270° N
Longitude: 104.3684° W

Location and History

Presidio County is located in southwestern Texas, along the U.S.-Mexico border. The county was established in 1850 and named after Presidio del Norte, a Spanish fort located near the Rio Grande. Marfa, the county seat, is a small town known for its vibrant arts scene, minimalist architecture, and as the site of the mysterious Marfa Lights. The county’s history is closely tied to its strategic location along the Rio Grande, serving as a center for trade, ranching, and military activity throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Presidio County is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including desert plains, rugged mountains, and the Rio Grande River, which forms the border with Mexico.

Major Highways and Landmarks

U.S. Route 67 and U.S. Route 90 are the major highways that run through Presidio County, providing connections to El Paso, San Antonio, and Mexico. Major landmarks include the Marfa Lights Viewing Area, where visitors can observe the unexplained phenomena that have been reported for over a century. The county is also home to the Chinati Foundation, an internationally renowned contemporary art museum founded by artist Donald Judd, which features large-scale installations in a former military base. Additionally, Big Bend Ranch State Park, located along the Rio Grande, offers some of the most remote and rugged terrain in Texas, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and river activities.

5. Reeves County

County Overview

County Seat: Pecos
Area: 2,636 square miles
Population: 15,193 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 432
Latitude: 31.3064° N
Longitude: 103.5809° W

Location and History

Reeves County is located in western Texas, known for its agricultural and oil production. The county was established in 1883 and named after George Robertson Reeves, a Texas state legislator and Confederate colonel. Pecos, the county seat, is a historic town that claims to be the home of the world’s first rodeo, held in 1883. The county’s history is deeply tied to the cattle ranching and agricultural industries, with irrigation from the Pecos River playing a crucial role in its development. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further boosted the county’s economy, making it an important center for energy production in the region.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Interstate 20 and U.S. Route 285 are the major highways that run through Reeves County, providing connections to El Paso, Midland, and other parts of Texas. Major landmarks include the West of the Pecos Museum, located in a historic hotel in Pecos, which offers exhibits on the history of the American West, including the famous Pecos Rodeo. The county is also home to the Balmorhea State Park, which features a large spring-fed pool that attracts visitors for swimming and scuba diving. Additionally, the county’s landscape includes part of the Trans-Pecos region, known for its unique desert flora and fauna and scenic drives.

6. Val Verde County

County Overview

County Seat: Del Rio
Area: 3,233 square miles
Population: 47,586 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 830
Latitude: 29.3708° N
Longitude: 100.8958° W

Location and History

Val Verde County is located in southwestern Texas, along the U.S.-Mexico border. The county was established in 1885 and named after the Battle of Val Verde, a Confederate victory in the New Mexico Campaign during the Civil War. Del Rio, the county seat, is a city known for its proximity to the Amistad Reservoir and its role as a border crossing into Mexico. The county’s history is closely tied to the Rio Grande, with agriculture, ranching, and trade playing significant roles in its development. The construction of the Amistad Dam in the 1960s further transformed the region, creating a large reservoir that is now a major recreational area.

Major Highways and Landmarks

U.S. Route 90 and U.S. Route 277 are the major highways that run through Val Verde County, providing connections to San Antonio, Eagle Pass, and Mexico. Major landmarks include the Amistad National Recreation Area, which offers boating, fishing, and camping along the shores of the Amistad Reservoir. The county is also home to the Whitehead Memorial Museum in Del Rio, which showcases the history and culture of the region, including exhibits on Native American life, ranching, and the military. Additionally, the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site features ancient rock art, dating back thousands of years, that provides insight into the early inhabitants of the region.

7. Webb County

County Overview

County Seat: Laredo
Area: 3,376 square miles
Population: 267,114 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 956
Latitude: 27.5064° N
Longitude: 99.5075° W

Location and History

Webb County is located in southern Texas, along the U.S.-Mexico border. The county was established in 1848 and named after James Webb, a Secretary of State and Attorney General of the Republic of Texas. Laredo, the county seat, is one of the oldest border towns in the United States, with a history dating back to its founding in 1755. The county’s history is deeply intertwined with its location on the Rio Grande, serving as a major center for trade, agriculture, and military activity throughout its history. Laredo is one of the busiest border crossings between the United States and Mexico, with a vibrant cultural heritage influenced by both nations.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Interstate 35 is the major highway that runs through Webb County, connecting Laredo to San Antonio and the rest of the United States. U.S. Route 59 and U.S. Route 83 also serve the county, providing additional connections within Texas. Major landmarks include the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, located in Laredo, which preserves the history of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande and the region’s unique cultural heritage. The county is also home to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, which offers fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities. Additionally, the historic San Agustin Cathedral in downtown Laredo is a significant architectural and religious landmark, reflecting the city’s long history.

8. Culberson County

County Overview

County Seat: Van Horn
Area: 3,812 square miles
Population: 2,188 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 432
Latitude: 31.0455° N
Longitude: 104.4687° W

Location and History

Culberson County is located in far west Texas, bordering New Mexico to the north. The county was established in 1911 and named after David B. Culberson, a Confederate soldier and U.S. Representative from Texas. Van Horn, the county seat, is a small town located along Interstate 10, known for its proximity to the Guadalupe Mountains. The county’s history is closely tied to the development of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the cattle ranching industry, which have been central to its economy. Culberson County is characterized by its vast, sparsely populated desert landscapes and its role as a gateway to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Interstate 10 is the major highway that runs through Culberson County, providing access to El Paso, San Antonio, and other parts of Texas. Major landmarks include the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which features the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The county is also home to the Salt Flat, a historic site associated with the San Elizario Salt War, a conflict over access to the natural salt deposits in the area. Additionally, the Sierra Blanca Range, a series of low mountains, provides scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

9. Jeff Davis County

County Overview

County Seat: Fort Davis
Area: 2,264 square miles
Population: 2,274 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 432
Latitude: 30.5881° N
Longitude: 103.8945° W

Location and History

Jeff Davis County is located in west Texas, known for its mountainous terrain and rich history. The county was established in 1887 and named after Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America. Fort Davis, the county seat, was originally a military post established to protect settlers and travelers from Native American attacks during the westward expansion. The county’s history is marked by its role as a frontier military outpost and its development as a ranching region. Jeff Davis County is characterized by its rugged landscapes, including the Davis Mountains, and its role in the history of the American West.

Major Highways and Landmarks

State Highway 17 and State Highway 118 are the major highways that run through Jeff Davis County, providing connections to Alpine, Marfa, and other parts of west Texas. Major landmarks include the Fort Davis National Historic Site, which preserves the remains of the old military post and offers a glimpse into the life of soldiers on the Texas frontier. The county is also home to the McDonald Observatory, located in the Davis Mountains, which offers public star parties and educational programs. Additionally, the Davis Mountains State Park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation in one of the most scenic areas of Texas.

10. Terrell County

County Overview

County Seat: Sanderson
Area: 2,358 square miles
Population: 776 (2020 Census)
Area Codes: 432
Latitude: 30.1499° N
Longitude: 102.3944° W

Location and History

Terrell County is located in southwestern Texas, known for its arid desert landscapes and sparse population. The county was established in 1905 and named after Alexander W. Terrell, a Texas state senator and Confederate general. Sanderson, the county seat, is a small town that serves as the commercial and administrative center of the county. The county’s history is tied to the development of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the cattle ranching industry, which have been central to its economy. Terrell County is one of the most sparsely populated counties in Texas, characterized by its remote, rugged terrain and its role as a gateway to the Big Bend region.

Major Highways and Landmarks

U.S. Route 90 is the primary highway that runs through Terrell County, providing access to Del Rio, Marathon, and other parts of Texas. Major landmarks include the Big Bend Ranch State Park, which offers some of the most remote and rugged terrain in Texas, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and river activities along the Rio Grande. The county is also home to the historic Sanderson Depot, a former railroad station that now serves as a museum and visitor center. Additionally, the county’s landscape includes part of the Chihuahuan Desert, known for its unique flora and fauna and scenic drives.

List of All Counties in Texas Alphabetically

Below please see all Texas counties which are listed in alphabetical order.

Texas Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

Largest Counties in Texas

1. Brewster County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

2. Pecos County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

3. Hudspeth County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

4. Presidio County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

5. Reeves County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

6. Val Verde County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

7. Webb County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

8. Culberson County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

9. Jeff Davis County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

10. Terrell County

County Overview

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

List of All Counties in Texas Alphabetically

Map of Texas Counties

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