Town in Hale County

Living in Hale Center, TX

B

222nd of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 70 of 100

Hale Center gets an overall grade of B and ranks 222nd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and internet access. It is a strong pick for retirees.

  • Good for retirees
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (16 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (2 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Hale Center isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthHale Center
Where Hale Center is in Texas.
Population
1,979-3.9% since 2020
Median rent
$59458% lower than Texas
Median home value
$76,20073% lower than Texas
Household income
$57,083Median
Average commute
18 minOne way
Violent crime
101Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Hale Center

Hale Center is a town in Hale County. 1,979 people lived here in 2025, down 3.9% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Memorial Park, Windmill Park and Freeman Plaza.

The median age is 43.5, 32% of households have children, 84% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $57,083 a year (27% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Hale Center

  • Low violent crime. 101 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 74% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $594, 58% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.3 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 18 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Hale Center

  • Higher unemployment. 8.9% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Many adults uninsured. 31% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.
  • Spotty home internet. Only 77% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Hale Center suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 74% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 79% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 27% lower than the Texas median, with 3 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 31% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 74% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 83% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 77% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $594 is 58% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 47% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $594 is 58% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for people on a budget.

Hale Center report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Hale Center with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade A-

    Median rent $594, homes cost 1.3x income.

    83 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $57,083, 8.9% unemployed.

    16 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B-

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    58 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B

    101 violent crimes per 100k, 252 property crimes per 100k.

    70 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A-

    1 grocery store, 3 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.

    85 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade B

    Average commute 18 min, 3.8% work from home.

    70 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade F

    6.8% have a bachelor’s degree.

    2 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade F

    31% of adults uninsured.

    7 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade C

    84% of homes owner-occupied.

    41 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade F

    77% of homes have broadband.

    7 of 100 vs US towns

Where Hale Center stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 1.3x63% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $59458% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 84%22 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 6.8%27 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 77%15 points lower than Texas (91%)
  • Vacant homes: 23%13 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Hale Center

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Hale Center is $594 a month, 58% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $24,000 a year. Right now 60% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $931 for a one-bedroom, $1,014 for a two-bedroom and $1,404 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $76,200, 73% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $417 before tax, or $492 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Hale Center pays $903 a year, 79% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Hale CenterStudio$7061 bedroom$9312 bedrooms$1,0143 bedrooms$1,4044 bedrooms$1,553
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Hale County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent58% lower than Texas$594$1,403$1,413
Median home value73% lower than Texas$76,200$283,800$332,700
Home value to income63% lower than Texas1.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent8 points higher than Texas60%52%51%
Median property tax per year79% lower than Texas$903$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them22 points higher than Texas84%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas196619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$492
Mortgage payment
$417
Property tax
$75
Median rent, for comparison
$594

Based on a $76,200 home in Hale Center, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Hale Center safe?

In 2025, Hale Center Police Department reported 2 violent crimes and 5 property crimes. That works out to 101 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 252 property crimes per 100,000, 88% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 60% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Hale Center by yearTexas101202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
101
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
252
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Hale Center by yearTexas252202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Hale Center Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Hale Center

Hale Center has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Hale Center ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
58
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
82
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BHale Center High SchoolHigh, Hale Center ISD89 of 100
  • BCarr MiddleMiddle, Hale Center ISD82 of 100
  • CAkin ElementaryElementary, Hale Center ISD74 of 100

Daily life in Hale Center

Everyday places mapped inside Hale Center, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Memorial Park, Windmill Park, Freeman Plaza.

The average one-way commute is 18 minutes, 34% shorter than the Texas average. 4% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Plainview is about 11 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Hale Center work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $57,083, income per person is $25,279, unemployment is 8.9% and 7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
2
Restaurants
3
Cafes
1
Bars
1
Parks
6
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
1
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income27% lower than Texas$57,083$78,476$80,734
Income per person38% lower than Texas$25,279$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate4 points higher than Texas8.9%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line4 points higher than Texas18%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher27 points lower than Texas6.8%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher22 points lower than Texas64%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points higher than Texas31%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet15 points lower than Texas77%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute34% lower than Texas18 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas3.8%14%15%
Workers who work from home3.8%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk1.1%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Hale Center

Under 1826%
18 to 3418%
35 to 6442%
65 and over14%

Median age 43.5 years. 32% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White15%
Hispanic or Latino76%
Black6.8%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race2.0%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Hale Center

Hale Center has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 91°F and January lows about 24°F. There are about 73 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 18 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Hale Center20°40°60°80°100°53J57F65M73A81M89J91J90A83S74O62N53DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Plainview Wtr Productn, 11 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingModerate
  • HurricanesModerate
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesVery low
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsVery high
  • Strong windVery high

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Hale Center

Nearby, Plainview gets a C-, Seth Ward gets a D+ and Abernathy gets an A. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. C-PlainviewSmall city, 19,711 people11 mi
  2. D+Seth WardTown, 2,205 people13 mi
  3. AAbernathyTown, 3,278 people16 mi
  4. D+OltonTown, 1,552 people18 mi
  5. C+LockneyTown, 1,752 people23 mi
  6. BAntonTown, 1,053 people25 mi

Living in Hale Center: common questions

Is Hale Center, TX a good place to live?

Hale Center gets an overall grade of B and ranks 222nd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and internet access. It is a strong pick for retirees.

How much does it cost to live in Hale Center?

Median rent in Hale Center is $594 a month, 58% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $76,200, 73% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.3x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $492, including property tax.

Is Hale Center safe?

In 2025, Hale Center Police Department reported 101 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 252 per 100,000, 88% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Hale Center?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Hale Center. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 58 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Hale Center flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Hale Center as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Hale Center?

Summers in Hale Center peak at about 91°F in July, and January nights fall to about 24°F. Expect around 73 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 18 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Hale Center?

The average one-way commute is 18 min, 34% lower than the Texas average. About 3.8% of workers work from home. It is about 11 miles from downtown Plainview.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.