Detailed Information about Hillsboro, TX¶

This document provides detailed information about Hillsboro, Texas, including neighborhood information, crime rates, demographics, community information, and what the city is known for.

Neighborhood Information¶

Hillsboro offers a small-town Texas feel with a variety of housing options, from historic Victorian homes to modern new construction. The city has a sparse suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. The most desirable neighborhoods are in the central part of the city, while more affordable housing can be found in the southern regions. Hillsboro is known for its friendly, close-knit community and is considered a safe place to live.

Crime Rates¶

Hillsboro's overall crime index is below the national average (City-Data index of 171, roughly 1.4× lower than the U.S. average), and the 2024 rate fell 19% compared to 2023. However, a long-term upward trend in violent crime is a concern. The city has 42 full-time law enforcement employees, including 29 sworn officers. Property crime remains the most common category of incident. Many residents report feeling safe in the community day-to-day.

Demographics¶

As of the 2020 census, the population of Hillsboro was 8,221. The 2025 estimate is ~8,400–8,506 (U.S. Census Bureau ACS, released May 2025), growing slowly at ~0.3%–1.1% annually. The city has a diverse population.

Racial Composition: The largest racial groups are White (Non-Hispanic) (43.6%) and Hispanic (40.0%), followed by Black or African American (12.7%).
Median Age: The median age is 36 years.
Income: The median household income is approximately $56,100 (2024 estimate), up from $55,761 in the 2020 census. Both figures are below the state average.

Community Information¶

Hillsboro is the county seat of Hill County and has a rich history. The city has a variety of community resources, including a public library, a hospital, and several parks. The Hillsboro Independent School District serves the city and earned an A accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency in 2025. Hill College — the first municipal junior college chartered in Texas (1921), opened in 1923 as Hillsboro Junior College — is also located in Hillsboro. The city has an active and close-knit community with numerous events and programs throughout the year.

Notable 2024–2026 Developments: - Buc-ee's opened April 21, 2024 (165 SH-77, at I-35): 74,000 sq ft, 120 fueling positions, ~200 jobs — a major economic event for Hillsboro. - Outlets at Hillsboro Redevelopment ($75M): Dallas-based Glaser Retail Partners purchased the defunct outlet mall and began demolition (June 2025). The 43-acre site will be redeveloped into 200,000 sq ft of retail/restaurant space + 230,000 sq ft of industrial space. Confirmed tenants: Chick-fil-A, Chili's, Panda Express, Waffle House (4 of 11 planned spots). Opening in phases, spring–summer 2026. ~400 jobs projected. - Texas Heritage Museum at Hill College — IMLS National Medal (Feb 2026): The museum received the highest honor for museums/libraries in the United States — the first community college in the country (of ~1,500) to receive this award.

What Hillsboro is Known For¶

Hillsboro is known for its historic downtown, which is a designated Texas Main Street city. The city is also known for:

The Hill County Courthouse: A beautifully restored 1890 courthouse that is a major landmark.
Historic Homes: The city has a large number of well-preserved Victorian homes.
Proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco: Hillsboro's location on Interstate 35 makes it a convenient place to live for those who want a small-town atmosphere with easy access to larger cities.
Famous Residents: A number of famous people have roots in Hillsboro, including Carrie Marcus Neiman (1883–1953), co-founder of Neiman Marcus, who grew up in Hillsboro before moving to Dallas; and Dr. Red Duke, the acclaimed trauma surgeon who treated President Kennedy at Parkland Memorial Hospital in 1963.