As of 2026 the population of Hays County is 28,833. The population is expected to shrink to 28,802 by 2031 - a growth rate of -0.02%.
The median age of Hays County residents is 35.
The diversity index of Hays County is 33.7, meaning that there is a 34% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Hays County is $94,119 and projected to be $110,753 in 2031. Per capita income is $39,727, projected to be $47,122 in 2031. 2.53% of households – 730 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $941,404 and the average disposable income is $70,837.
There are 13,456 housing units in Hays County; 7,695 are owner-occupied, 4,328 are rented, and 1,433 are vacant. The average home value is $313,504, with 858 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,697 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 1,734 businesses in Hays County, employing 17,409 workers and pulling from a labor force of 16,214 age 16 and above. 1,049 workers commute into Hays County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
15,163 residents both live and work in/around Hays County. The average travel time is 12.9 minutes. 11.92% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.13% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 12,701 drive alone, 1,109 carpool, and 3 take public transportation. 1,398 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 1,003 residents work from home.
5,015 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,811 have associates degrees, 4,552 have bachelor’s degrees, and 2,600 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
