View the Map of North Texas Counties shown below, North Texas consists of a diverse range of counties, including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, and others, collectively forming one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Covering more than 40,000 square miles, this region is home to a population exceeding 8 million as of the 2020 Census. Economically robust, North Texas is a hub for industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. Major cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano anchor the region, while smaller counties support agriculture and manufacturing, contributing to the area’s dynamic growth and development.
Explore the county map of North Texas region showing all the counties, county boundaries, state boundary, and international boundaries.
List of Counties of North Texas
County
County Seat
Population (2020 Census)
Area (Square Miles)
Major Cities
Founded
Archer County
Archer City
8,560
925
None
1858
Clay County
Henrietta
10,218
1,111
None
1857
Collin County
McKinney
1,064,465
886
Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen
1846
Cooke County
Gainesville
41,669
898
Gainesville
1848
Dallas County
Dallas
2,613,539
909
Dallas, Garland, Irving, Mesquite
1846
Denton County
Denton
906,422
953
Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton
1846
Ellis County
Waxahachie
192,455
952
Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis
1849
Erath County
Stephenville
42,545
1,090
Stephenville
1856
Fannin County
Bonham
35,662
892
Bonham
1837
Grayson County
Sherman
135,543
934
Sherman, Denison
1846
Hood County
Granbury
61,598
437
Granbury
1866
Hunt County
Greenville
99,956
882
Greenville, Commerce
1846
Jack County
Jacksboro
8,472
917
None
1856
Johnson County
Cleburne
179,866
729
Burleson, Cleburne, Joshua
1854
Kaufman County
Kaufman
145,310
808
Forney, Terrell
1848
Lamar County
Paris
49,859
933
Paris
1841
Montague County
Montague
19,965
938
None
1858
Palo Pinto County
Palo Pinto
28,409
986
Mineral Wells
1856
Parker County
Weatherford
148,222
910
Weatherford, Aledo
1855
Rockwall County
Rockwall
107,819
149
Rockwall
1873
Somervell County
Glen Rose
9,205
192
Glen Rose
1875
Tarrant County
Fort Worth
2,110,640
902
Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield
1850
Wise County
Decatur
73,043
922
Decatur, Bridgeport
1856
North Texas is a large and diverse region encompassing numerous counties that contribute to its significant economic, cultural, and demographic growth. This region covers an expansive area of over 40,000 square miles and includes counties such as Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, and many others. With a population exceeding 8 million people as of the 2020 Census, North Texas stands as one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. Below is a detailed exploration of North Texas counties, covering their geographic, demographic, and economic attributes.
Geographic Overview
North Texas is located in the northern-central part of the state, stretching from the Red River in the north to areas just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The region covers a variety of landscapes, from the rolling plains in the west to urbanized city centers and agricultural areas to the east. This geographic diversity supports a range of industries, from agriculture in the rural counties to advanced technology and healthcare in the more urbanized regions like Dallas and Tarrant counties.
Key counties such as Collin, Denton, and Ellis form part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which is one of the largest urban areas in the United States. More rural counties, such as Wise and Johnson, also play important roles in North Texas's economic structure, particularly in agriculture and energy production.
Major Counties in North Texas
Dallas County
Population: 2,613,539 (2020 Census) Area: 909 square miles Major Cities: Dallas, Garland, Irving, Mesquite Economy: As the most populous county in North Texas, Dallas County is a major economic driver in the region. The county's economy is diverse, with key industries including finance, technology, healthcare, and transportation. Dallas, the county seat, is a global hub for business and innovation. Dallas County is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T and Southwest Airlines.
Tarrant County
Population: 2,110,640 (2020 Census) Area: 902 square miles Major Cities: Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield Economy: Tarrant County is the second most populous county in North Texas and serves as a major center for aerospace, energy, and logistics industries. Fort Worth, the county seat, has deep roots in the cattle industry and Western culture, while Arlington is home to large entertainment venues, including AT&T Stadium and Six Flags Over Texas. Tarrant County also has a strong military presence due to its proximity to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.
Collin County
Population: 1,064,465 (2020 Census) Area: 886 square miles Major Cities: Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen Economy: Collin County has experienced explosive population growth in recent decades due to its thriving technology sector and high quality of life. Plano is home to several major corporations, including Toyota North America and Liberty Mutual. The county's rapidly developing suburbs are known for their highly ranked public schools, family-friendly communities, and expanding retail and commercial districts.
Denton County
Population: 906,422 (2020 Census) Area: 953 square miles Major Cities: Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton Economy: Denton County is known for its growing residential communities, higher education institutions, and retail industries. Denton, the county seat, is home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, making it a key education hub in the region. Additionally, Denton County has seen considerable suburban expansion, especially in cities like Flower Mound and Lewisville, which are known for their strong housing markets and access to major highways.
Grayson County
Population: 135,543 (2020 Census) Area: 934 square miles Major Cities: Sherman, Denison Economy: Located near the Texas-Oklahoma border, Grayson County has a diverse economy driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Sherman and Denison serve as key economic centers, with industries ranging from high-tech manufacturing to healthcare services. The proximity to Lake Texoma also contributes to tourism and recreational industries in the county.
Ellis County
Population: 192,455 (2020 Census) Area: 952 square miles Major Cities: Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian Economy: Ellis County has a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics industries. Waxahachie, the county seat, is known for its historic downtown and as a center for commercial development. Midlothian is home to several large cement plants and industrial facilities, which contribute significantly to the local economy. Ennis, known for its annual Bluebonnet Trails Festival, supports a vibrant agricultural community.
Wise County
Population: 73,043 (2020 Census) Area: 922 square miles Major Cities: Decatur, Bridgeport Economy: Wise County is an important contributor to North Texas's agriculture and energy sectors, particularly in oil and natural gas production. The county's rural areas are known for cattle ranching and farming, while Decatur and Bridgeport serve as economic hubs with access to transportation infrastructure that connects the region to larger markets.
Economic Overview of North Texas Counties
North Texas counties are part of one of the most economically dynamic regions in the United States. The region's economy is diverse, with industries ranging from technology and finance in the urban centers to agriculture, energy, and manufacturing in the more rural areas. Major corporations such as American Airlines, ExxonMobil, and Toyota North America have established headquarters or major offices in North Texas counties, attracting a highly skilled workforce and supporting continued population growth.
Technology
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, particularly in cities like Plano and Richardson, is known as a technology hub. The Telecom Corridor in Richardson houses major telecom and tech companies, while Plano is home to key corporate headquarters.
Energy
Counties such as Wise and Tarrant play vital roles in oil and natural gas production. North Texas is home to several energy companies, and its location near shale formations, including the Barnett Shale, provides ample resources for energy development.
Agriculture
Rural counties such as Grayson, Wise, and Ellis are integral to the agriculture industry in North Texas. These areas are known for cattle ranching, cotton, and crop production, contributing to both the local and state economy.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry is robust across North Texas, with Dallas County and Tarrant County hosting world-class healthcare institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Health.
Population Growth and Urbanization
The counties of North Texas have seen rapid population growth, particularly in the last few decades. The population of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex alone grew by over 20% between 2010 and 2020, with suburban counties like Collin, Denton, and Ellis leading in growth. This growth has been driven by job opportunities, affordable housing, and a high quality of life.
As urbanization continues, counties like Collin and Denton have experienced suburban sprawl, with new residential communities, retail developments, and schools being established to accommodate the growing population. In contrast, more rural counties have maintained their agricultural heritage while also benefiting from proximity to the major metroplex.
