Population overview
Hale County is home to roughly 31,819 people, making up about 0.10% of the total population of Texas. Within the West Texas region, it ranks #7 of 51 counties by population. The combination of 1,005 square miles of land and 31,819 residents yields a density of about 31.7 people per square mile — characteristic of small-town and exurban Texas, where towns are anchored by a county seat surrounded by working farmland and ranches.
How Hale County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Hale County sits in the upper half of the population distribution. It represents the broad middle of Texas — small to mid-sized counties with a clear county seat and a regionally rooted economy.
| Comparison | Population | vs Hale |
|---|---|---|
| Hale County | 31,819 | — |
| West Texas region average | 43,626 | +37% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -41% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +15755% |
Neighboring county populations
Hale County shares borders with 5 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lubbock County | Lubbock | 328,906 | 365.5 |
| Lamb County | Littlefield | 12,579 | 12.4 |
| Castro County | Dimmitt | 7,295 | 8.1 |
| Swisher County | Tulia | 6,703 | 7.4 |
| Floyd County | Floydada | 4,881 | 4.9 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Hale County, Texas?+
Hale County has an estimated population of 31,819 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Hale County?+
Hale County has a population density of approximately 31.7 people per square mile across its 1,005 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Hale County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Hale County ranks #92 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.10% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Hale County?+
Among the 5 counties bordering Hale, Lubbock County is the most populous with about 328,906 residents.
How is Hale County's population measured?+
Population figures are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau — the decennial census and annual American Community Survey (ACS) population estimates. See our methodology for full sourcing.