Hale Center, TX
Population 1,705 · Texas
About Hale Center, TX
Hale Center is a small town located in Texas with a population of 1,705 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,083 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hale Center features a median home value of $85,300, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hale Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $657, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 938 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (619 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (103 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hale Center shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hale Center have an average one-way commute time of 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
6.7% of Hale Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 59.3% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 8.9% Asian residents, with 11.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hale Center, TX
Compared to national averages, Hale Center has a median household income of $49,083 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,300, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $657 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Hale Center's income is 33% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 60% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Hale Center, TX?
Hale Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $657/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,083) that falls below the national average. However, Hale Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hale Center has a population of 1,705 with a median age of 53.3 years. Compare Hale Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Hale Center
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cienegas Terrace | 1,703 | $42,382 | $97,600 | Compare |
| De Kalb | 1,702 | $45,577 | $99,900 | Compare |
| Fannett | 1,698 | $92,731 | $232,500 | Compare |
| Rockwell Place | 1,694 | $57,396 | $97,600 | Compare |
| Crosbyton | 1,718 | $39,000 | $58,900 | Compare |
| Grapeland | 1,720 | $36,918 | $154,000 | Compare |
| Quail Creek | 1,722 | $83,523 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Baird | 1,687 | $52,222 | $74,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hale Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hale Center
What is the population of Hale Center, TX?
The population of Hale Center, TX is 1,705 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Hale Center?
The median household income in Hale Center, TX is $49,083 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hale Center?
The median home value in Hale Center, TX is $85,300, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hale Center?
The median monthly rent in Hale Center, TX is $657, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hale Center?
The unemployment rate in Hale Center, TX is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hale Center, TX a good place to live?
Hale Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,705 and a median age of 53.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hale Center, TX?
6.7% of residents in Hale Center aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Hale Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hale Center, TX: median home value is $85,300 (65% below national), median rent is $657/month, and median household income is $49,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hale Center?
The poverty rate in Hale Center, TX is 14.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hale Center, TX?
Hale Center's population is 59.3% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 8.9% Asian, and 9.4% two or more races. 11.2% of residents are foreign-born.