Hays County

Hays County is the 2nd fastest growing large county in the nation having increased its population by 36.5% between 2010 and 2017. The county's location on I-35 between Austin and San Antonio makes it ideal for companies needing good roadway links. The state's fourth largest public university, Texas State University in San Marcos, provides the area with a young, well-educated workforce. The nation's largest outlet mall complex, located on I-35 south of San Marcos, makes the area a strong retail center. The County's next largest cities, Kyle and Buda, are also thriving communities on the I-35 corridor. Dripping Springs, 24 miles west of Austin, offers business an opportunity to grow in a beautiful Hill Country town.

HAYS COUNTY
AUSTIN MSA
Population 2020
241,067
2,283,371
Population growth 2010-2020
53.4%
33.0%
Land area (sq. mi.) 2020
676.9
4,219.5
Median age 2021
32.8
34.7
Households 2021
85,821
894,088
Home ownership rate 2021
63.3%
57.4%
Median household income 2021
$71,033
$81,998
Per capita income 2021
$34,146
$41,805
High school grads 2021
91.1%
90.9%
College grads 2021
38.8%
46.0%
Labor force 2020
121,304
1,242,659
Unemployment rate 2020
6.3%
6.2%
Public school enrollment 2021-2020
38,764
338,710
High school graduates 2019
2,481
21,607
Retail sales 2020
$5,134 mil.
$37,406 mil.
Business
2020
Establishments
4,944
65,881
Employment
71,841
1,031,078
Average salary
$44,659
$72,107
Mfg.business
2020
Establishments
213
1,942
Employment
4,599
61,958
Average salary
$59,854
$113,744

Sources: Texas Comptroller for retail sales; Texas Workforce Commission for labor force, unemployment, businesses, employees, and salaries; Texas Education Agency for public school enrollment and graduates; ESRI for 2021 demographic estimates; and U.S. Census Bureau for all other data.

LARGEST CITIES IN THE COUNTYLARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE COUNTY
San Marcos
Kyle
Buda
Dripping Springs
Wimberley
Hays
San Marcos
Dripping Springs
Wimberley