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Hillsboro, Texas

Hillsboro is a city and the county seat of Hill County, Texas. It is strategically located on Interstate 35, positioning it between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Waco.

Overview

  • Population: 8,221 (2020 census); 2025 estimate ~8,400–8,506 (U.S. Census Bureau ACS). Growing slowly at ~0.3%–1.1%/yr depending on source.
  • Community Feel: Hillsboro is a rural city with an active and close-knit community. It serves as a trade center for a 30-mile radius.
  • Growth and History: The city has a rich history, with a building boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries driven by the cotton industry. Many historic homes and the Hill County Courthouse still stand from this era.

Key Characteristics

  • Demographics: The population is diverse, with White (45%), Hispanic (40%), and Black (11%) communities. The median age is around 35-37 years.
  • Economy: The median household income is approximately $56,100 (2024 estimate). The city has a low cost of living.
  • Housing: The estimated median home value is approximately $135,000 - $158,000.
  • Education: The city is served by the Hillsboro Independent School District (TEA A-rated, 2025). It is also home to Hill College, a public community college whose Texas Heritage Museum received the IMLS National Medal in February 2026 — the highest honor for museums/libraries in the U.S., and a first for any community college in the nation.

For a detailed list of schools in Hillsboro, see the Hillsboro Schools file.

Economy and Major Employers

For a detailed list of major employers and an overview of the key economic sectors in Hillsboro, see the Hillsboro Employment file.

Detailed Information

For more detailed information on neighborhoods, crime rates, and demographics, see the Hillsboro Details file.

Amenities and Lifestyle

For a detailed list of events in Hillsboro, see the Hillsboro Events file.

  • Location: Its location on I-35 makes it a gateway to Lake Whitney and Lake Aquilla. It is about 34 miles north of Waco.
  • Community Events: Hillsboro hosts numerous events throughout the year, including festivals, markets, and concert series, which cater to both residents and visitors.
  • Historic Downtown: The city features a historic downtown with notable architecture, including the iconic Hill County Courthouse, and is a designated Texas Main Street City.

Food and Dining

For a detailed list of notable restaurants in Hillsboro, see the Hillsboro Restaurants file.

Religious Community

For a detailed list of churches in Hillsboro, see the Hillsboro Churches file.

June 2026 Updates

Updated June 2026 — Hill County data center moratorium passed May 13, 2026 — appears to be first in Texas; Provident Data Centers proposal at center of controversy.

  • Hill County Passes 1-Year Data Center Moratorium (May 13, 2026): In a nationally-covered 3-2 vote, Hill County Commissioners Court approved a one-year moratorium on data center construction in unincorporated areas of Hill County — what the Texas Tribune and AP report as the first such moratorium by any Texas county. The decisive vote was cast by County Judge Shane Brassell, breaking a 2-2 commissioner split. The trigger: a proposed 300-acre development by Provident Data Centers (Dallas-based) in north Hillsboro, and community reports of at least 8 additional data center proposals in the county. Commissioner Jim Holcomb (voted yes): "The data center folks have found a sweet spot in the state that has limited regulations, limited enforcement…and they've come even faster than we can keep up with." The county plans to study traffic, environmental, and emergency response capacity impacts during the pause. The moratorium can be waived for projects that demonstrably pose no threat to public health and safety. Legal risk acknowledged: County Attorney David Holmes said "You're damned if you do and damned if you don't." State Sen. Paul Bettencourt and Ken Paxton have signaled opposition to county-level moratoriums. Sources: Texas Tribune (May 12, 2026), AP News, KWTX, KCENTV.

Spring 2026 Updates

Updated May 2026 — Texas Theater acquisition, data center controversy, downtown redevelopment, and public safety investments.

  • City Acquires Historic Texas Theater (March 31, 2026): The City of Hillsboro acquired the historic Texas Theater in downtown Hillsboro on March 31, 2026. The city is calling for volunteers and community partners to help restore and repurpose the landmark venue, which is expected to become an anchor for downtown revitalization.

  • Block 67 Mixed-Use Development: A Block 67 mixed-use project is advancing in downtown Hillsboro, combining retail, residential, and commercial components on a key downtown block. The project is part of the city's Texas Main Street redevelopment strategy.

  • Data Center Proposal (Public Opposition): A proposal for a large-scale data center development on approximately 300 acres in north Hillsboro by Provident Data Centers (Dallas-based) drew significant public opposition — ultimately triggering the Hill County moratorium vote on May 13. Residents raised concerns about water use, noise, and impacts on rural character.

  • New Police Headquarters: The City of Hillsboro completed construction of a new police headquarters facility, providing the department with modernized space to support growing public safety needs.

  • Fire Station 9 — South Hillsboro: The city is developing Fire Station 9 in the South Hillsboro area to improve emergency response times to the growing southern sections of the city.

Sources