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 is a county in Texas with a population of 256,429. It ranks #21 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 33.9, younger than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Hays County is $85,827, above the US median of $74,580. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $371,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,417. The homeownership rate of 64.1% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hays County reflects 41.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.2% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.8 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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.