Hale County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 90th-largest in Texas
The population of Hale County, Texas is 32,247 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 90th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $52,788, the median home value is $106,100, and the median age is 34.1.
The population of Hale County has declined 11.9% since 2010 (36,271 → 31,953), a -0.90% annualized rate.
32,247
Population
-0.90%
Annual growth
32
People / sq mi
$52,788
Median Income
$106,100
Median Home Value
Hale County covers 1,005 sq mi of land at 32.1 people per square mile.
About Hale County, TX
Hale County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 11.4% of the population. Hale County is a county in Texas with a population of 32,247.
The typical household earns $52,788, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $106,100, with typical rent around $798.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Hale County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hale County had a population of 36,271 in 2010 and 31,953 in 2024, a -11.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,383 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.90%.
31,953
Population (2024)
36,271
Population (2010)
36,383
Peak (2011)
-0.90%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,271 |
| 2011 | 36,383 |
| 2012 | 36,248 |
| 2013 | 35,660 |
| 2014 | 34,435 |
| 2015 | 34,010 |
| 2016 | 34,062 |
| 2017 | 33,901 |
| 2018 | 33,501 |
| 2019 | 33,098 |
| 2020 | 32,467 |
| 2021 | 32,212 |
| 2022 | 32,007 |
| 2023 | 32,014 |
| 2024 | 31,953 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 62.9% |
| Black or African American | 4.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
34.1
Median Age
48.0%
Female
52.0%
Male
14.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.8% · Seniors (65+): 14.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,788$-23,504 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,864 |
| Per-capita income | $24,606 |
| Poverty rate | 14.8%+4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hale County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
80.8%
Public transit
2.8%
Work from home
18.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$106,100$-154,300 vs state
Median home value
$798
Median rent
60.1%
Homeownership rate
13,399
Total housing units
82.3%
Occupied
17.7%
Vacant
39.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
76.5%
With health insurance
91.1%
With broadband internet
11.4%
Foreign-born
4.2%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
63.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
75.1%
High School+
15.6%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hale County, Texas has a population of 32,247 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 90th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 32 people per square mile.
The population of Hale County has declined 11.9% since 2010 (36,271 → 31,953), a -0.90% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hale County, Texas is $52,788, with mean (average) household income of $67,864 and per-capita income of $24,606. 14.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hale County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (62.9%), Black or African American (4.1%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hale County, Texas is 34.1 years. Residents are 48.0% female and 52.0% male.
The median home value in Hale County is $106,100 and median monthly rent is $798. 60.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,399 total housing units, 17.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hale County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Hale County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.