Texas Counties Map

Texas, also known as the Lone Star State, is a state unlike any other. Known for the Alamo, rodeos, ranches, BBQ, and country music, Texas has a unique identity within the United States.

Texas (TX) on the US Map

With 254 counties, Texas has the most counties of any state in the US, each contributing its unique flair to the state’s identity.

This blog post features our color-coded Texas Counties Map, outlining each county’s borders and major cities. Let’s delve into the details of some of Texas’s most interesting counties, starting with those that have the largest populations.

Map of Texas Counties

Below is a map of the 254 counties of Texas (you can click on the map to enlarge it and to see the major city in each county).

Interactive Map of Texas Counties

Click on any of the counties on the map to see its population, economic data, time zone, and zip code (the data will appear below the map). Data is sourced from the US Census 2021.

List of the Counties of Texas:

Biggest Counties in Texas by Population

Harris County

Harris County, established in 1836, is located in Southeast Texas and is the most populous county in the state, with Houston as its county seat and largest city.

Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, serves as a vibrant cultural, economic, and educational hub. The city is renowned for its significant contributions to healthcare and space exploration, housing the Texas Medical Center—the world’s largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions—and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, home of the Mission Control Center.

Harris County’s diverse population contributes to a rich cultural landscape, reflected in its wide array of dining options, festivals, and international communities. The county plays host to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo and livestock exhibition in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually.

The area’s commitment to the arts is evident in the Houston Theater District, which boasts a concentration of seats in one compact area second only to New York City, and the Museum District, offering 19 museums in a walkable area.

Additionally, Harris County offers extensive green spaces and parks, such as the Buffalo Bayou Park, providing recreational opportunities amidst the urban environment.

Dallas County

Dallas County, established in 1846, is situated in North Texas and stands as one of the state’s most populous counties, with Dallas as its county seat and largest city. Dallas is a major economic and cultural center, known for its influence in commerce, technology, and art.

The county plays a significant role in the arts, hosting institutions like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center, which contribute to Dallas’s status as a leading arts destination. The AT&T Performing Arts Center and the historic Majestic Theatre provide diverse entertainment options, from opera and ballet to Broadway shows and concerts.

Dallas County is also home to a thriving culinary scene that reflects its multicultural population, offering everything from authentic Texas barbecue to international cuisine. The annual State Fair of Texas, held in Dallas’s Fair Park, draws visitors with its unique blend of live entertainment, art exhibitions, and culinary delights.

Tarrant County

Tarrant County, established in 1849, is located in North Texas and encompasses Fort Worth, its county seat. As the third-most populous county in the state, Tarrant County is a vibrant area known for its blend of Texas heritage and modern urban living.

Fort Worth, often referred to as the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” embodies this mix with its famous Stockyards National Historic District, where visitors can experience live rodeo performances, cattle drives, and western-themed shopping and dining.

Fort Worth also boasts a rich arts scene, highlighted by the Cultural District, home to five internationally recognized museums including the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. This district showcases the county’s commitment to cultural excellence and accessibility to the arts.

The county’s economy is diverse, with a strong presence in aerospace, manufacturing, and technology sectors, supported by companies such as Lockheed Martin, which has a major facility in the area. Additionally, Tarrant County benefits from its proximity to Dallas, with the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport situated between the two cities.

Bexar County

Bexar County, established in 1836, is centrally located in South Texas, with San Antonio serving as its vibrant county seat. This area is steeped in history, most famously housing the Alamo, an enduring symbol of Texan independence and bravery.

The county’s rich cultural identity contains Spanish influences, evident in its missions, architecture, and annual Fiesta San Antonio, celebrating the city’s diverse heritage with parades, food, and music.

San Antonio’s River Walk is a jewel of the city, offering miles of scenic walkways along the San Antonio River, bustling with restaurants, shops, and cultural events, drawing both locals and tourists to its waterside ambiance.

Moreover, Bexar County is a hub for education and innovation, hosting institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio, which contribute to the area’s economic growth and community engagement.

Travis County

Travis County, established in 1840, is located in Central Texas, with Austin as its county seat. Known for its motto, “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin’s vibrant music scene is evident in countless live music venues and celebrated events like the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival and Austin City Limits Music Festival, which attract global audiences.

The county is a significant center for technology and innovation, home to major tech companies and startups, earning it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” The University of Texas at Austin, one of the largest public universities in the country, contributes to the county’s youthful energy and intellectual vibrancy.

Travis County’s natural beauty includes the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Zilker Park, and the Barton Springs Pool, offering residents and visitors alike opportunities for outdoor recreation in the heart of the city. The Texas State Capitol, located in Austin, not only serves as the state government’s hub but is also a historic site, attracting those interested in Texas’s rich political history.

Smallest Counties in Texas by Population

Loving County

Loving County is not only the least populous county in Texas, it has the smallest population of any county in the United States. Centered around Mentone, its only town and county seat, the county’s landscape is dominated by the oil fields that drive its economy, a testament to the enduring significance of the oil industry in West Texas.

Mentone, often celebrated for its small size, is home to the Loving County Courthouse, a symbol of local governance and community. The county is the only one in the state to have been incorporated twice: once in 1887, and then again in 1931.

Kenedy County

Kenedy County, established in 1921, is situated in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas and is one of the least populous counties in the state. Sarita serves as the county seat, embodying the quiet, rural essence of the area.

This county is characterized by its vast ranchlands and significant contributions to Texas’s cattle and hunting industries. The King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world, partially lies within Kenedy County, playing a crucial role in the development of American ranching practices.

The county’s geography includes a stretch of the Gulf Coast, offering secluded beaches and natural habitats that contribute to its biodiversity. The Padre Island National Seashore, although primarily located in neighboring Kleberg County, extends into Kenedy County, providing critical nesting grounds for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and a haven for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.

King County

King County, established in 1876, is nestled in the rolling plains of the Texas Panhandle, marking it as one of the state’s least populous counties. Guthrie, serving as the county seat, is more a quaint community center than a bustling city, reflecting the rural and serene lifestyle of the area.

The 6666 Ranch, one of Texas’s historic ranches, occupies a significant portion of King County. This ranch not only contributes to the county’s economy through its cattle and horse operations but also plays a crucial role in conserving the region’s natural habitat and promoting land stewardship practices.

King County’s sparse population and vast open spaces offer a stark contrast to the urban sprawl found in other parts of Texas, providing a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged over the decades.

Other Notable Counties in Texas

Galveston County

Galveston County, established in 1838, lies on the Texas Gulf Coast with Galveston Island as its shining jewel. The county seat, also named Galveston, is steeped in rich history and is a key cultural and economic center. Known for its historic architecture, such as the Bishop’s Palace and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the city offers a glimpse into Texas’s coastal heritage.

Galveston Island is renowned for its sandy beaches and the Moody Gardens, an educational tourist destination featuring a rainforest pyramid, aquarium, and discovery museum. The annual Mardi Gras Galveston celebration transforms the island into a vibrant festival of parades, music, and beads, drawing crowds from across the state and beyond.

The county also encompasses parts of the mainland, where industries like petrochemical processing and healthcare thrive, contributing to the diverse economic landscape of the region. The Texas City Dike, one of the longest man-made fishing piers in the world, extends into Galveston Bay, offering recreational opportunities for fishing and bird watching.

El Paso County

El Paso County, established in 1850, is located at the western tip of Texas, bordering both New Mexico and the country of Mexico. With El Paso as its county seat, the area is distinguished by its unique position along the Rio Grande, which shapes much of its cultural and economic landscape.

El Paso, one of the largest binational metropolitan areas in the world, is a vibrant city that reflects a rich blend of American and Mexican cultures, evident in its cuisine, music, and festivals.

The county is a significant military center, home to Fort Bliss, one of the largest military complexes in the United States Army, playing a crucial role in the local and national defense infrastructure. The presence of Fort Bliss contributes significantly to El Paso County’s economy and community life.

Cultural attractions in El Paso County include the El Paso Museum of Art, the Plaza Theatre, and the annual Viva! El Paso musical that celebrates the region’s diverse history and cultures. The county is also home to Franklin Mountains State Park.

Nueces County

Nueces County, organized in 1846, is situated along the Gulf Coast of Texas, with Corpus Christi serving as the county seat. This coastal county is recognized for its beautiful beaches, such as those on Mustang Island and Padre Island, making it a prime destination for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing enthusiasts. Corpus Christi itself is known as the “Sparkling City by the Sea,” offering a vibrant mix of cultural attractions, waterfront dining, and maritime activities.

The Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington, a retired World War II aircraft carrier now serving as a museum, are among the county’s top attractions, providing educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. The Corpus Christi Bayfront, with its scenic views and public art, is a focal point for community gatherings and events.

Nueces County plays a significant role in the state’s economy through its port, the Port of Corpus Christi, which is one of the largest in the United States by tonnage, supporting the energy, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors.

Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County, established in 1852, is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, with Edinburg serving as its county seat. The county is part of a dynamic border region, sharing a long boundary with Mexico. This geographic position fosters a vibrant bicultural community that is rich in Hispanic heritage.

McAllen, one of Hidalgo County’s largest cities, is a hub for retail, commerce, and international trade, drawing shoppers and business from both sides of the border. The city’s International Museum of Art & Science offers educational exhibits that reflect the area’s diverse community, including art and science collections.

The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, located within the county, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This sanctuary is home to hundreds of bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife, representing the critical habitat of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

The county’s educational landscape is bolstered by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, providing higher education opportunities and contributing to the area’s growth and development.

Denton County

Denton County, established in 1846, is situated in the northern part of Texas, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The county seat, Denton, is known for its vibrant music scene, historic town square, and two universities: the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University.

The county combines suburban development with preserved natural areas, offering residents and visitors a variety of recreational activities. Lewisville Lake and Ray Roberts Lake State Park are popular destinations within Denton County for boating, fishing, and camping.

Denton’s historic Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum serves as a focal point for exploring the area’s history and heritage, while the annual Denton Arts and Jazz Festival attracts thousands with its free live performances and vibrant atmosphere.

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