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 a county in Texas with a population of 32,247. It ranks #90 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 34.1, younger than the national median. The population is 52.0% male and 48.0% female.
The median household income in Hale County is $52,788, below the US median of $74,580. 14.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $106,100, with monthly rent averaging $798. The homeownership rate of 60.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hale County reflects 15.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.1 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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County rankings
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.