If you’re planning a move to the Alamo City or just trying to settle a trivia bet, you’ve likely asked: what county is San Antonio TX in?
The short answer is Bexar County.
But here’s the thing—it’s not pronounced like "box-er" or "bex-ar." Locals call it "Bear." Like the animal. Honestly, if you say "Bex-ar" while ordering a puffy taco downtown, you’ll immediately out yourself as a tourist.
Bexar County is a massive, sprawling entity that defines the culture of South Texas. It’s the fourth most populous county in the state, and as we head into 2026, it’s only getting bigger. Whether you’re looking for the historic missions or the high-tech hubs appearing on the far west side, understanding this county is key to understanding San Antonio itself.
Why "Bexar" is More Than Just a Name
The name comes from San Antonio de Béxar, which was one of the original 23 Mexican municipalities back when Texas was still finding its feet. It was named after the Presidio San Antonio de Béjar, a Spanish military outpost.
You’ve gotta realize that back in 1836, Bexar County was basically "The West." It was humongous. It covered almost the entire western half of the Republic of Texas. We’re talking parts of what are now New Mexico, Oklahoma, and even Wyoming. Over time, the state sliced it up like a birthday cake, carving out 128 different counties from the original Bexar territory.
Today, it’s much smaller—about 1,256 square miles—but its influence is arguably greater than ever.
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The Identity Crisis: City vs. County
People often think San Antonio and Bexar County are the same thing. They aren't.
While San Antonio is the county seat and holds the lion's share of the population, the county includes dozens of other cities. You've got places like:
- Alamo Heights (The "bubble" where things get a bit fancy)
- Converse (Growing like crazy on the northeast side)
- Helotes (Famous for Floore’s Country Store and that Hill Country vibe)
- Universal City (Right next to Randolph Air Force Base)
There are also massive chunks of "unincorporated" Bexar County. These are areas where you aren't technically in a city, so you don't pay city taxes. Instead, you rely on the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office for protection. If you’ve ever driven out toward Government Canyon or Medina Lake, you’ve seen how quickly the urban sprawl turns into rugged brushland.
Life in Bexar County in 2026
As of early 2026, the population is hovering around 2.2 million people. That’s a lot of folks.
The growth isn't just numbers on a spreadsheet; you can feel it on Loop 1604 and I-10. Construction is basically the official sport of the county. The Bexar County Commissioners Court, led by Judge Peter Sakai, has been juggling a $2.8 billion budget recently to keep up with this. They're pouring money into flood control, new law enforcement positions, and the famous BiblioTech—the nation’s first all-digital public library system.
A Melting Pot of Economics
Bexar isn't just about tourism and the River Walk. It’s an economic powerhouse.
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It contributes nearly 6% of the entire GDP of Texas. That’s roughly $150 billion. The "Military City USA" moniker is real here. With Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, and Randolph AFB all tucked inside the county lines, the military is the backbone.
But then you have the South Side, which has been transformed by the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant. Or the North Side, where companies like Valero and USAA keep the white-collar engine humming. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of blue-collar grit and high-tech ambition.
The Cultural Heart of Texas
If you’re visiting, you’re probably here for the history. Bexar County is home to the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas: the San Antonio Missions.
Most people just go to the Alamo. Don’t do that. Or rather, don't only do that. Drive south to Mission San José or Mission Concepción. These are active parishes where people still attend Mass in buildings that have stood for three centuries.
What the Locals Know
When you live here, you realize that what county is San Antonio TX in matters most when it comes to the "feeling" of the neighborhood.
- The Weather: It's hot. Not "dry heat" like Arizona. It's a humid, "I need a second shower" kind of heat.
- The Food: It’s Tex-Mex. Don't go looking for "authentic Mexican" and complain it’s not what you find in Mexico City. Enjoy the cheese enchiladas and the breakfast tacos.
- The Pace: San Antonio is the biggest small town you’ll ever visit. People are generally nice. They’ll hold the door for you, but they’ll also cut you off on Loop 410 without a second thought.
Addressing the "Bexar" Misconceptions
Some folks think Bexar is just a suburb of Austin. That’s a fight waiting to happen.
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The I-35 corridor is definitely merging, with cities like Schertz and Selma straddling the line between Bexar and Guadalupe counties. But San Antonio has a totally different soul than Austin. It’s older, more grounded, and deeply rooted in its Hispanic heritage. About 60% of the county identifies as Hispanic or Latino. That’s not just a statistic; it’s the heartbeat of the festivals, the food, and the local politics.
Quick Facts for Your Research
- County Seat: San Antonio
- Established: 1836
- Total Area: ~1,256 square miles
- Major Highways: I-10, I-35, I-37, Loop 1604, Loop 410
- Highest Point: Somewhere in the scenic hills near Cross Mountain
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re moving to or doing business in the area, here is what you actually need to do:
Check the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector website if you’re buying property. The "no city tax" in unincorporated areas is a big draw, but you might pay more for private trash pickup or specialized emergency services (ESDs).
Look at the Bexar County Clerk's records if you're researching history or property deeds. They have one of the most extensive Spanish-language archives in the country.
Visit the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) maps. Since much of the county is a basin, knowing the flood zones is non-negotiable before you sign a lease or a mortgage.
Bexar County is more than just a box on a form. It's a 300-year-old story that is still being written by the millions of people who call it home.