[2] The county is named for Julius Real (1860–1944), a former member of the Texas State Senate.

The Alto Frio Baptist Encampment is located in an isolated area of Real County southeast of Leakey.

[16] As of the census[22] of 2000, 3,047 people, 1,245 households, and 869 families resided in the county.

The racial makeup of the county was 91.40% White, 0.20% Black or African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 6.01% from other races, and 1.54% from two or more races.

About 28.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.