Cities and Towns in Hays County, Texas
Founded in 1848, Hays County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Hays County was formed from Travis County. The city of San Marcos is the county seat. With FIPS code of 209, Hays County has a population of 255,397 and area of 678 square miles (1,756 km²).
List of all cities in Hays County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Austin, TX | 78737 | 512/737 |
| Buda, TX | 78610 | 512/737 |
| Creedmoor, TX | 78610 | 512/737 |
| Driftwood, TX | 78619 | 512/737 |
| Dripping Springs, TX | 78620 | 512/737 |
| Henly, TX | 78620 | 512/737 |
| Kyle, TX | 78640 | 512/737 |
| Mount Sharp, TX | 78620 | 512/737 |
| Mountain City, TX | 78610 | 512/737 |
| Niederwald, TX | 78640 | 512/737 |
| Pioneer Town, TX | 78676 | 512/737 |
| San Marcos, TX | 78666 | 512/737 |
| 78667 | 512/737 | |
| Uhland, TX | 78640 | 512/737 |
| Wimberley, TX | 78676 | 512/737 |
| Woodcreek, TX | 78676 | 512/737 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hays County, Texas
San Marcos, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 44.03 square miles
- Population: 67,553 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 78666, 78667
- Latitude: 29.8833° N
- Longitude: 97.9403° W
City Location and History
San Marcos is the county seat of Hays County, situated in central Texas along the banks of the San Marcos River. It is approximately 30 miles southwest of Austin and 50 miles northeast of San Antonio. San Marcos was originally inhabited by the Tonkawa and Coahuiltecan Native American tribes before Spanish settlers arrived in the 18th century. The town was officially founded in 1846, and its name is derived from San Marcos Springs, which were named by Spanish explorer Domingo Ramón. The area’s natural beauty and freshwater springs have long attracted settlers, making the city a hub for early agriculture, trade, and eventually education. The establishment of Texas State University (originally Southwest Texas State University) in 1899 further shaped the city’s growth, with the university continuing to be a major driver of the local economy today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
San Marcos is home to Texas State University, a significant public institution that offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. The university is a cultural and economic anchor for the city. Additionally, San Marcos High School and Academy High School serve the local secondary education needs. Landmarks in the city include the San Marcos River, popular for tubing and recreational activities, and Wonder World Park, which features a cavern, observation tower, and other family-friendly attractions. The historic Hays County Courthouse, built in 1908, is also a notable landmark, showcasing the city’s rich history. Additionally, Purgatory Creek and Thompson’s Island provide beautiful natural spaces for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor activities.
Kyle, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 21.09 square miles
- Population: 51,520 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 78640, 78642
- Latitude: 29.9907° N
- Longitude: 97.8715° W
City Location and History
Kyle is located in central Texas, just 20 miles south of Austin and 10 miles north of San Marcos, making it a vital commuter city within the Austin metropolitan area. The town’s origins date back to the 1880s when it was founded as a railroad town, named after Fergus Kyle, a local landowner. Originally a small agricultural community, Kyle’s development accelerated after the arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway. In the mid-20th century, Kyle remained a sleepy town, but in recent decades, it has experienced rapid growth due to its proximity to Austin, attracting new residents and businesses. Today, Kyle is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, with a population that has soared as people seek more affordable living outside of the Austin city limits.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kyle is served by the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, with notable institutions such as Lehman High School and Kyle Elementary School. As the city grows, new schools and educational facilities continue to be built. Key landmarks in the area include Lake Kyle Park, a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Texas Pie Company, a local favorite, offers a taste of southern comfort food and is known for its homemade pies. Seton Medical Center Hays serves as a major healthcare facility in the area. Additionally, Kyle’s Downtown District features charming local businesses, restaurants, and shops. Stagecoach Park, a community hub for outdoor events and sports, also plays a significant role in the city’s recreational offerings.
Buda, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 6.19 square miles
- Population: 17,741 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 78610
- Latitude: 30.0880° N
- Longitude: 97.8447° W
City Location and History
Buda, located about 15 miles south of Austin, is a small town known for its charming, small-town atmosphere while being within close proximity to the Texas state capital. The town was established in the 1880s along the Southern Pacific Railroad and was named after a prominent local resident, Buda Travis, whose family played a key role in its development. Historically, Buda was known as a railroad and farming community. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century turned Buda into a vital shipping point for cattle and other agricultural goods. The town grew steadily through the 20th century, though it remained a relatively quiet rural area until the 1990s, when Austin’s rapid expansion began to influence nearby towns like Buda, leading to an increase in population and development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Buda is part of the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, with schools such as Buda Elementary School and Jack C. Hays High School serving the local population. As a growing community, Buda also hosts several private schools and early childhood centers. Major landmarks in the area include the Buda City Park, offering residents a space for recreational activities, picnicking, and sports. The Historic Stagecoach Park is another site of interest, where visitors can learn about the city’s past and enjoy outdoor events. The town is also known for its Buda Farmer’s Market, which takes place weekly and attracts local vendors and visitors alike. The Buda Public Library is a community hub for education and cultural events, while Cabela’s, an outdoor retail giant, draws shoppers from across the region. The town is also near the Blanco River, which is popular for kayaking and fishing.
Dripping Springs, Texas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.85 square miles
- Population: 3,526 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 78620
- Latitude: 30.1891° N
- Longitude: 98.0842° W
City Location and History
Dripping Springs, often called the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 25 miles southwest of downtown Austin. The area is known for its scenic beauty, featuring limestone hills and abundant springs. Dripping Springs was established in the mid-1800s and is named after the nearby Dripping Springs, where water cascades down the rocky terrain in the region’s limestone hills. The town originally served as a farming and ranching community, benefiting from the area’s fertile land and natural springs. Over time, the town has developed into a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy the outdoors, the arts, and the relaxed pace of Hill Country life. The rise of tourism, particularly through wineries, distilleries, and wedding venues, has spurred significant growth in the region in the 21st century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dripping Springs is served by the Dripping Springs Independent School District, with notable schools such as Dripping Springs High School and Dripping Springs Middle School. The town also offers a range of private and charter school options. Local landmarks include the Hamilton Pool Preserve, a stunning natural swimming hole surrounded by limestone cliffs, and Reimers Ranch Park, which offers hiking, biking, and rock climbing. The town is home to a number of wineries, including Dripping Springs Distillery, which is famous for producing premium spirits. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center provides guided tours to explore the unique beauty of the region. The Dripping Springs Historic District, featuring buildings that date back to the 1800s, highlights the town’s rich history and serves as a reminder of its early days.