Hays County vs. Dickens County
Between Hill Country and High Plains
From the booming Hill Country suburbs of Austin to the quiet plains of West Texas, Hays and Dickens counties show two very different ways Texans call home. Hays County thrives on college-town energy and rapid growth, while Dickens County embodies frontier patience and neighborly tradition. Both remind us that progress looks different across Texas: but community spirit feels the same.
Hays County (Population approx. 300,000)
Hays County has become one of the fastest-growing in the nation. Anchored by San Marcos, Dripping Springs, and Kyle, it balances higher-education innovation with small-town pride. Texas State University drives the economy and culture, yet growth has tested water resources, housing supply, and transportation planning. Locals wrestle with keeping the Hill Country’s beauty while accommodating new families who want to share it.
Dickens County (Population approx. 1,500)
Dickens County sits northeast of Lubbock, its rolling mesas dotted with wind turbines and cattle pastures. The county seat: also named Dickens, is a place where life revolves around church gatherings and Friday-night games. Here, drought and distance challenge every generation, but neighbors still know every name in town.
Why It Matters
Fast growth and fading populations both test leadership. Hays needs smart expansion that preserves water and identity; Dickens needs resources to keep rural life viable. Together they illustrate why a one-size-fits-all approach never works in Texas.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas’ strength lies in empowering both fast-growing suburbs and steady rural towns.
In Hays County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would encourage candidates who focus on practical solutions—water conservation, affordable housing, and school capacity—rather than partisan sound bites. These reforms would help leaders represent new and long-time residents alike.
In Dickens County, the same tools would protect rural representation and give independent-minded voters a fair voice in Austin. Ranked Choice Voting ensures every ballot counts and every Texan is heard, even in small elections decided by dozens of votes.
Forward’s mission: to build a culture of trust, transparency, and teamwork; fits both counties. From San Marcos’s river walks to Dickens’s dusty trails, Texans deserve systems that elevate local problem-solvers and respect every community’s voice.
Did You Know…
• Texas State University in San Marcos was the alma mater of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
• Dickens County is home to the historic Matador Ranch, once one of the largest in the state.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Residents of Hays County love the mix of college-town energy and Hill Country peace: where music festivals and floating the river mark the seasons. In Dickens County, locals love the quiet confidence that comes from knowing their neighbors have their back no matter how tough the weather.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest (San Marcos) – A playful celebration of river culture, art, and environmental stewardship.
Dickens County Ranch Rodeo (Dickens) – Teams of local cowboys compete in classic events that raise funds for school and fire departments.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records, including:
