Where is tx located

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: TX is the postal abbreviation for Texas, the second-largest U.S. state by area and population, located in the south-central United States. It borders Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Mexico, covering 268,596 square miles with a population of over 30 million as of 2023.

Key Facts

Texas covers 268,596 square miles, making it the second-largest U.S. state by area
Texas has a population of over 30 million people as of 2023, ranking second in the U.S.
The state joined the Union on December 29, 1845, as the 28th state
Texas shares a 1,254-mile border with Mexico to the south
Houston is the largest city in Texas, with over 2.3 million residents

Overview

Texas, abbreviated as TX, is located in the south-central region of the United States. It is bordered by Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south across the Rio Grande.

The state spans 268,596 square miles, second only to Alaska in size, and has a diverse geography that includes deserts, forests, mountains, and coastal plains along the Gulf of Mexico. As of 2023, Texas is home to over 30 million people, making it the second-most populous state after California.

Capital city: Austin, located in central Texas, has been the state capital since 1839 and has a population of over 970,000.
Statehood: Texas was admitted to the Union on December 29, 1845, becoming the 28th state after operating as an independent republic for nearly a decade.
Border length: The U.S.-Mexico border spans 1,254 miles through Texas, the longest of any state along the southern U.S. boundary.
Major rivers: The Rio Grande forms the southern border, while the Red River and Sabine River define parts of the northern and eastern boundaries.
Time zones: Texas spans two time zones—Central Time and Mountain Time—with El Paso and Hudspeth counties in the latter.

How It Works

Texas operates under a decentralized state government structure with a governor, lieutenant governor, and a bicameral legislature. Its unique history as an independent republic influences its governance and cultural identity.

State Government: The Texas Legislature meets biennially in odd-numbered years, with the governor wielding veto power over legislation and a four-year term limit.
Education System: The state funds public education through the Permanent School Fund, established in 1854, now worth over $50 billion in assets.
Energy Production: Texas leads the U.S. in energy production, generating over 11% of total U.S. crude oil and more wind power than any other state.
Transportation: The Texas Department of Transportation manages over 315,000 miles of roadway, including 12,000 miles of state highways.
Legal System: Texas uses a dual court system with civil and criminal jurisdictions, and the Texas Supreme Court handles civil appeals, while the Court of Criminal Appeals handles criminal cases.
Local Governance: Counties in Texas have strong administrative powers, with 254 counties—more than any other state—each governed by a commissioners court.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Texas with other large U.S. states in key demographic and geographic categories.

State	Area (sq mi)	Population (2023)	Capital	Statehood Date
Texas	268,596	30,503,301	Austin	Dec 29, 1845
Alaska	665,386	736,081	Juneau	Jan 3, 1959
California	163,695	39,538,223	Sacramento	Sept 9, 1850
Montana	147,040	1,132,812	Helena	Nov 8, 1889
New Mexico	121,590	2,117,522	Santa Fe	Jan 6, 1912

This table highlights Texas’s unique position as a large, populous state with significant economic and geographic influence. While Alaska is larger in area, Texas far surpasses it in population and infrastructure development.

Why It Matters

Understanding Texas’s location and structure is essential due to its economic, political, and cultural impact on the United States. As a leader in energy, agriculture, and technology, Texas plays a pivotal role in national and global markets.

Economic output: Texas has a GDP of over $2 trillion, ranking it as the second-largest economy among U.S. states.
Immigration hub: The state processes a significant portion of U.S. border encounters, with over 277,000 encounters in 2023 along the southern border.
Technology growth: Cities like Austin and Dallas are emerging tech hubs, with the Austin metro adding over 100,000 tech jobs since 2015.
Agricultural production: Texas leads in cattle production, with over 12 million head—more than any other state.
Disaster preparedness: Due to hurricanes and extreme weather, Texas maintains a robust emergency management system through the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Cultural influence: Texas shapes American culture through music, cuisine, and sports, including the origins of Tejano music and the Texas Rangers baseball team.

From its vast size to its dynamic economy, Texas remains a critical player in U.S. development and policy, making its geographic and administrative details essential knowledge.