Everything is bigger in Texas—and that includes its county system. With a vast and diverse landscape, Texas boasts more counties than any other state in the U.S., each offering a unique blend of history, economy, culture, and opportunity.

How Many Counties Are in Texas?

Texas has 254 counties, the most of any U.S. state. These counties range from major metropolitan areas to sparsely populated rural regions. The large number of counties allows for more localized governance in such a geographically expansive state.

List of 254 counties in Texas – Alphabetical order

Richest and Wealthiest Counties in Texas

Texas is home to booming economies, particularly in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. The richest counties in Texas often cluster around these urban centers.

Top 10 Richest Counties in Texas (by Median Household Income)

1. Rockwall County – Just east of Dallas, it’s often ranked the wealthiest in Texas with a high median income and excellent public schools.
2. Collin County – Includes Plano, Frisco, and McKinney—fast-growing cities with thriving tech and corporate sectors.
3. Fort Bend County – Southwest of Houston, known for its diversity and affluence.
4. Williamson County – North of Austin, includes Round Rock and Georgetown; major tech employers and a strong housing market.
5. Kendall County – Includes Boerne, a wealthy and picturesque Hill Country community.
6. Travis County – Home to Austin, it combines high income with a booming startup and tech scene.
7. Montgomery County – A suburban area north of Houston with strong economic development.
8. Hays County – Between Austin and San Antonio, it’s growing rapidly and attracting high-income households.
9. Denton County – North of Dallas-Fort Worth, features high incomes and suburban growth.
10. Comal County – A Hill Country favorite with scenic living and a rising median income.

Best Counties in Texas to Live In

Texas offers many counties that excel in education, healthcare, safety, and employment opportunities. Here are some of the best counties in Texas to live in:

• Collin County – Highly rated for public schools, infrastructure, and job growth.
• Travis County – Ideal for professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs in Austin.
• Williamson County – A top choice for families due to good schools and suburban amenities.
• Fort Bend County – Known for diversity, master-planned communities, and good schools.
• Hays County – Offers small-town charm with access to major cities.

Largest Counties in Texas by Land Area

Texas is enormous, and many of its counties are vast and rural. The largest counties in Texas by land area include:

1. Brewster County – The largest in Texas, located in West Texas and home to Big Bend National Park.
2. Pecos County – A large county known for oil production and desert landscapes.
3. Hudspeth County – East of El Paso, sparsely populated and vast.
4. Presidio County – Known for Marfa and open West Texas plains.
5. Culberson County – Remote and scenic, includes parts of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Conclusion

With 254 counties, Texas offers unmatched diversity in geography, economy, and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking at the richest counties in Texas like Rockwall, Collin, or Fort Bend, seeking the best counties in Texas to live in, or exploring the largest counties in Texas by land area, the Lone Star State provides endless options. From high-tech suburbs to rugged frontier lands, Texas has a county to suit every lifestyle and ambition.