The 2000 census notes that 6,186 reside in the county with the median household income being $21,722. Thirty-five percent of the children in the county live below poverty level. Towns in the county include San Saba, Cherokee, Bend, and Richland Springs.

The city of San Saba, the county seat, is often called the "Pecan Capital of the World"" as it ships pecans world-wide. The county has more than 500 miles of running streams-more than any other Texas county. From this abundance of streams, the area around the community of Bend is known for its great fishing and fishing camps. During the autumn/winter seasons hunters take white-tail deer, wild turkey, and native game birds.