Population overview
Hill County is home to roughly 39,503 people, making up about 0.12% of the total population of Texas. Within the Central Texas region, it ranks #21 of 76 counties by population. The combination of 962 square miles of land and 39,503 residents yields a density of about 41.1 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 Hill County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Hill 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 Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Hill County | 39,503 | — |
| Central Texas region average | 81,016 | +105% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | -52% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +12671% |
Neighboring county populations
Hill County shares borders with 6 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLennan County | Waco | 272,020 | 261.1 |
| Ellis County | Waxahachie | 240,867 | 256.2 |
| Johnson County | Cleburne | 218,048 | 299.1 |
| Navarro County | Corsicana | 57,181 | 53.4 |
| Limestone County | Groesbeck | 22,849 | 25.1 |
| Bosque County | Meridian | 18,918 | 19.1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Hill County, Texas?+
Hill County has an estimated population of 39,503 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Hill County?+
Hill County has a population density of approximately 41.1 people per square mile across its 962 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a small-town / exurban county.
Where does Hill County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Hill County ranks #81 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.12% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Hill County?+
Among the 6 counties bordering Hill, McLennan County is the most populous with about 272,020 residents.
How is Hill 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.