Hays County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in Texas
The population of Hays County, Texas is 256,429 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $85,827, the median home value is $371,400, and the median age is 33.9.
The population of Hays County has grown 84.7% since 2010 (158,086 → 292,029), a +4.48% annualized rate.
256,429
Population
+4.48%
Annual growth
379
People / sq mi
$85,827
Median Income
$371,400
Median Home Value
Hays County covers 677 sq mi of land at 378.9 people per square mile.
About Hays County, TX
Hays County skews on age — the median resident is 33.9, younger than the national median. With 256,429 residents, Hays County is a county in Texas. It ranks #21 among counties in Texas by population.
Households take in a median $85,827, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.2%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $371,400, with typical rent around $1,417.
Hays County is among the best-educated US counties: 41.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 16.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
Hays County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hays County had a population of 158,086 in 2010 and 292,029 in 2024, a 84.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 292,029 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 4.48%.
292,029
Population (2024)
158,086
Population (2010)
292,029
Peak (2024)
4.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 158,086 |
| 2011 | 163,161 |
| 2012 | 168,406 |
| 2013 | 175,933 |
| 2014 | 184,764 |
| 2015 | 194,588 |
| 2016 | 204,581 |
| 2017 | 214,863 |
| 2018 | 222,928 |
| 2019 | 230,400 |
| 2020 | 243,988 |
| 2021 | 256,002 |
| 2022 | 269,476 |
| 2023 | 281,697 |
| 2024 | 292,029 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 66.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
33.9
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
11.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 11.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $85,827+$9,535 vs state |
| Mean household income | $112,348 |
| Per-capita income | $41,931 |
| Poverty rate | 6.2%-4.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hays County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
71.8%
Public transit
16.2%
Work from home
30.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$371,400+$111,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,417
Median rent
64.1%
Homeownership rate
99,775
Total housing units
94.7%
Occupied
5.3%
Vacant
35.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.1%
With health insurance
97.0%
With broadband internet
26.8%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
11.3%
With a disability
75.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
41.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Texas
Other counties in Texas
Part of Texas
Metro areas in Texas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hays County, Texas has a population of 256,429 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in Texas. Population density is 379 people per square mile.
The population of Hays County has grown 84.7% since 2010 (158,086 → 292,029), a +4.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hays County, Texas is $85,827, with mean (average) household income of $112,348 and per-capita income of $41,931. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hays County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (66.5%), Black or African American (4.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hays County, Texas is 33.9 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Hays County is $371,400 and median monthly rent is $1,417. 64.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 99,775 total housing units, 5.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hays County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Hays County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.
Hays County, TX Climate
Hays County, TX has an average annual temperature of 19.1°C (66°F) and receives about 874 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
19.1°C
Avg Temp
874
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 48° | 50 mm |
| February | 11° / 52° | 57 mm |
| March | 15° / 60° | 52 mm |
| April | 19° / 66° | 70 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 123 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 105 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 51 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 61 mm |
| September | 25° / 77° | 93 mm |
| October | 20° / 68° | 91 mm |
| November | 14° / 58° | 68 mm |
| December | 10° / 50° | 53 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Hays County, TX
The most comfortable months to visit Hays County, TX are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 3°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hays County
Visiting or relocating to Hays County, TX? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Hays County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Hays County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Hays County, TX by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Texas
Population 4,758,579
Population 2,603,816
Population 2,135,743
Population 2,037,344
Full rankings of Texas counties
Statewide data for Texas
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Texas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.