Galveston County, Texas

Galveston County: County in Texas, United States

About

Galveston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 291,309 and a population density of 129 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 345,089 inhabitants. Its county seat is Galveston. The county was created 186 years ago in 1837.

Galveston County is located along the Gulf Coast in southeastern Texas. It was formally established in 1838 and named after Bernardo de Gálvez, a Spanish governor who supported the American Revolutionary War.

The city of Galveston became the county seat in 1839 and served as a major port in Texas during the 19th century. Galveston was devastated by the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Key Facts About Galveston County Today

Population: As of 2021, over 341,000 people live in Galveston County. The largest city is League City with almost 115,000 residents.

Major Industry: Tourism is the key industry in Galveston County, aided by attractions like its beaches, amusement parks, cruise terminal and more. Fishing and oil refining also contribute to the local economy.

Attractions: Top attractions include Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, and Stewart Beach.

Things to See and Do in Galveston County

Some top attractions and activities in Galveston County include:

  • Relaxing on Galveston Island's Beaches - Enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing along the coast.
  • Browsing the historic Strand District - Shop, dine, and take in sights in this Victorian-era neighborhood.
  • Riding roller coasters at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - Experience thrilling amusement park rides on a pier over the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Exploring the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid - See penguins, sharks, seals and more at this family-friendly attraction.
  • Taking a cruise from the Port of Galveston - Board ships to Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond from Texas' busiest cruise port.

With its beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and historic port city, Galveston County is a classic Texas Gulf Coast destination.

Galveston County locator map
Location of Galveston County on Texas map.

Quick Facts about Galveston County

Population : 345,089 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Texas (United States)
Area : 2261 km2
Water as percent of area : 57%
Land as percent of area : 43%
Named for : Galveston Bay
Altitude : 16 feet / 5 meters
Capital : Galveston
Establishment : January 01, 1838
Time Zone : Central Time Zone
Local time : 05:12:14 (4th November 2024)
Density : 153 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 15.58% (2010-2020)
Galveston County Justice Center image
Galveston County Justice Center
Galveston County Justice Center image

Geography

Galveston County is located at 29°17'52"N 94°48'39"W (29.2976700, -94.8108700). It has 3 neighbors: Brazoria County, Chambers County and Harris County.

Galveston County map

The largest city of Galveston County is League City with a population of 107,536. Other cities include, Texas City population 50,094, Galveston population 50,085, Friendswood population 40,011 and Dickinson population 21,216. See all Galveston County cities & populated places.

Galveston County Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Galveston County.

City Name Population Title
League City 107,536 The second most populous city in Galveston County, Texas.
Texas City 50,094 A city in Galveston County, Texas.
Galveston 50,085 A city in Galveston County, Texas.
Friendswood 40,011 A city in Galveston County, Texas.
Dickinson 21,216 City in North Dakota
La Marque 17,642 City in Texas
Santa Fe 13,461 City in Galveston County, Texas, United States
Bacliff 8,619 Census designated place
Hitchcock 7,884 City in Galveston County, Texas, United States
San Leon 4,970 Census designated place
Bolivar Peninsula 2,417 Census-designated place in Galveston County, Texas
Kemah 2,048 City in Galveston County, Texas, United States
Bayou Vista 1,637 City in Galveston County, Texas, United States
Clear Lake Shores 1,209 City in Galveston County, Texas, United States
Jamaica Beach 1,076 City in Galveston County, Texas, United States

Galveston County has 3 neighbours.

  • Galveston

Demographics

The population of Galveston County increased by 15.58% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 291,309 - census
2011 295,605 1.45% estimation process
2012 301,049 1.81% estimation process
2013 306,589 1.81% estimation process
2014 313,367 2.16% estimation process
2015 320,974 2.37% estimation process
2016 328,820 2.39% estimation process
2017 334,633 1.74% estimation process
2018 337,858 0.95% estimation process
2019 342,139 1.25% estimation process
2020 345,089 0.85% estimation process

Comitatul Galveston, Comte de Galveston, Comté de Galveston, Condado de Galveston, Condado han Galveston, Contea di Galveston, County Galveston, Galveston, Galveston Comitatus, Galveston Kun, Galveston Kūn, Galveston konderria, Galveston megye, Galveston srjan, Galvestoni maakond, Galvistun, Hrabstwo Galveston, Okrug Galveston, Quan Galveston, Quận Galveston, galabhesatana ka'unti, garubesuton jun, jia er wei si dun xian, mqatʿt ghalfystwn, shhrstan glwstwn tgzas, Галвестон, Галвистън, Округ Галвестон, Ґалвестон, Գալվեստոն շրջան, شهرستان گلوستون، تگزاس, مقاطعة غالفيستون, گالووسٹن کاؤنٹی, گیلویسٹن کاؤنٹی، ٹیکساس, গালভেসটন কাউন্টি, ガルベストン郡, 加尔维斯顿县

Texas Other Counties (more counties)

County Name Population Title
Harris County 4,738,253 County in Texas, United States
Dallas County 2,635,888 County in Texas, United States
Houston 2,316,120 The fourth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Houston metropolitan area.
Tarrant County 2,123,347 County in Texas, United States
Bexar County 2,026,823 County in Texas, United States
San Antonio 1,567,118 The seventh most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Antonio metropolitan area.
Dallas 1,343,266 The ninth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Travis County 1,300,503 County in Texas, United States
Collin County 1,072,069 County in Texas, United States
Austin 995,484 The eleventh most populous city in the United States and the center of the Austin metropolitan area.
Fort Worth 927,720 The twelfth most populous city in the United States and the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Denton County 919,324 County in Texas, United States
Montopolis 912,791 A neighborhood located in Austin, Texas.
Hidalgo County 875,200 County in New Mexico, United States
El Paso County 841,286 County in Texas, United States
Fort Bend County 839,706 County in Texas, United States