This article is part of an ongoing, county-by county, overview of the Rural Capital Area. This article covers household income and the income distribution in Hays County. This information helps track how well residents can afford basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare as well as relative prosperity compared to other areas.  

Median Household Income

As shown in Figure 1, median household income in Hays County has increased substantially in recent years, rising from approximately $60,000 in 2014 to nearly $92,000 in 2024. Throughout the period, Hays County consistently exceeded the U.S. median, with the gap widening to about $10,000 as of 2024. Income growth remained steady even during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a high level of economic resilience.

Figure 1: Median Household Income, 2014-2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub

Figure 2 illustrates the cumulative change in median household income from 2014 to 2024. Income had a cumulative growth of about 54.2% over the 10-year period. This increase is slightly higher than the national trend, where median household income grew 52.1% during the same timeframe. One potential explanation for this increase is the expansion of industries that tend to offer higher-paying jobs. As of 2024, the average salaries in the Information, Manufacturing, and Professional and Business Services sectors were above $70,000 in Hays County. ^[1] Additionally, employment in these sectors increased 61.7%, 45.0%, and 74.1% respectively between 2014 and 2024.^[2]

Figure 2: Cumulative Growth in Median Household Income, 2014-2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub

Figure 3 shows that a majority of households in Hays County fall within higher income brackets. In 2024, 34.1% of households earned less than $60,000 annually, while 65.9% earned $60,000 or more, with approximately 45% of those households earning $100,000 or more. In particular, the $75,000-$99,999 and $200,000 or more ranges represent some of the largest concentrations of households.

This pattern indicates that many households fall within income levels typically associated with stable homeownership and discretionary spending capacity, reinforcing the county's position within the region.

Figure 3: Hays County, Household Income Distribution, 2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub