My Local Guide

Hillsboro heritage and Lake Whitney outings

Hill County, Texas

Hill County was established in 1853 and named for George Washington Hill, an official of the Republic of Texas. Lake Whitney State Park offers a place to plan camping, shoreline recreation and time outdoors.

Hill County at a Glance

Population35,874 (2020 Census)
County SeatHillsboro
CommunitiesWhitney, Itasca and surrounding communities
Created1853
Land Area958.9 sq mi
Water Area26.9 sq mi
RegionCentral Texas
Census Year2020
Hill County photograph
Discover the County

Hill County

Hill County was established in 1853 and named for George Washington Hill, an official of the Republic of Texas. Hillsboro is its county seat. Historic downtown buildings, rail connections and communities such as Whitney and Itasca help tell its story.

Hillsboro’s courthouse has a story of both construction and recovery. Completed in 1890, the limestone building was designed by W. C. Dodson in the Second Empire style, with a high central clock tower. A major fire damaged it in 1993. Restoration drew support from donors and benefit concerts associated with Hill County native Willie Nelson, returning a prominent landmark to the county seat’s skyline.

Lake Whitney State Park offers a place to plan camping, shoreline recreation and time outdoors. A lake trip can be paired with Hillsboro’s courthouse area, allowing time for the drive between the two.

The courthouse and surrounding historic areas make a natural architectural starting point in Hillsboro. Pair that with another local destination rather than rushing through the square; the buildings reward a closer look at stonework, rooflines and the history of restoration.

History & Places

Hillsboro

Hillsboro is the county seat. Start here for county government and a look at the community around it.

Lake Whitney State Park

Lake Whitney State Park offers a place to plan camping, shoreline recreation and time outdoors. A lake trip can be paired with Hillsboro’s courthouse area, allowing time for the drive between the two.

Communities across the county

Whitney, Itasca and surrounding communities. Check the relevant town or county office for services at a specific address.

Hillsboro heritage and Lake Whitney outings
The Texas Tribune — Statewide

TribCast: Are Texas’ voter systems ready for a contentious election?

Votebeat's Natalia Contreras joins TribCast to explain the state of Texas’ voter rolls one month before election day.

Read the Story Oct 6, 2026 • 2 min read

News & resources for Hill County

Local reporting when available, plus statewide Texas news and official resources.

LOCAL WEATHER

Hill County

Forecast near Hillsboro

National Weather Service →

Tonight

60°F

Clear

Wind 0 mph

Wednesday

85°F

Sunny

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Wednesday Night

62°F

Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NE

Thursday

86°F

Sunny

Wind 0 to 5 mph NNE

Thursday Night

65°F

Mostly Clear

Wind 0 to 5 mph NE

Friday

86°F

Sunny

Wind 0 to 5 mph ENE
Updated Oct 6, 6:06 pm CDT · Conditions vary across the county.
County Resources

Useful connections for everyday life

Find county offices and official services. Statewide directories are clearly labelled so you can locate the provider serving your address.

Government

County offices, public meetings and elections.

County & local resources

Hill County — county offices

Public offices, departments, records and resident services.

Official Website

Hill County official website

Public offices, departments, records and resident services.

Official Website

Texas resources

Texas voter information

Public offices, departments, records and resident services.

Official Website

Food, housing & family support

Tarrant Area Food Bank — food assistance

Regional food-bank network serving Hill County. Find a nearby pantry or distribution and confirm its schedule before visiting.

Tarrant Area Food Bank — food assistance — details and contacts

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance

Search community assistance by location and type of need, including food, housing and family support.

2-1-1 Texas — local assistance — details and contacts

Texas HHS — local family support

Search family-support programs and local services for parents and caregivers.

Texas HHS — local family support — details and contacts

A little local knowledge goes a long way

Plan your visit and connect with public services.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

County facts and practical next steps.

Hillsboro is the county seat of Hill County.

My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Explore at your own pace

Local highlights and practical tools for planning your day.

Local Highlights

Lake Whitney State Park

Lake Whitney State Park offers a place to plan camping, shoreline recreation and time outdoors. A lake trip can be paired with Hillsboro’s courthouse area, allowing time for the drive between the two.

Food & Drink

Browse restaurants near Hillsboro

Compare current map listings and confirm menus and opening hours directly.

Shopping

Browse shops near Hillsboro

Use the map to locate shops, then contact the business before a special trip.

Family Time

Plan a local outing

Check visitor information for suitability, admission and access before travelling with children.

History

Explore the Texas Historical Commission Atlas

Search by county for historic markers and places. A historic designation does not guarantee public access.

Outdoors

Find public parks and recreation

Choose an official public destination and check weather, entry arrangements and current notices.

Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.