Overview
Hico is a city located in Hamilton County in the U.S. state of Texas. It is situated in north‑central Texas, approximately 80 mi (130 km) southwest of Fort Worth. The city derives its name from an abbreviation of “Hamilton County.”
Geography
- Coordinates: 32°7′6″N 98°38′13″W (32.1183° N, 98.6370° W)
- Area: According to the United States Census Bureau, Hico encompasses a total area of 2.57 sq mi (6.66 km²), all of which is land.
- Topography: The city lies on the rolling prairies of the Texas Blackland Prairies region, at an elevation of roughly 1,200 ft (366 m) above sea level.
History
- Founding: Hico was established in 1879 when the Texas Central Railway (later part of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway) was extended through the area.
- Name Origin: The name “Hico” is a contraction of “Hamilton County.”
- Development: The arrival of the railroad spurred growth as a regional trading center for agricultural products, particularly cattle, cotton, and grain. The city incorporated in 1909.
Demographics
- Population: The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 1,036 residents.
- Racial/Ethnic Composition (2020): Approximately 80 % White (non‑Hispanic), 13 % Hispanic or Latino, 4 % African American, and the remainder comprising other racial groups.
- Household Characteristics: The median household income was reported at $44,000, with about 18 % of the population living below the poverty line.
Economy
Hico’s economy is primarily based on small‑scale agriculture, local retail, and service businesses. The city serves as a commercial hub for surrounding rural communities, offering grocery stores, restaurants, banking services, and a post office (ZIP code 76452).
Education
Public education is provided by the Hico Independent School District, which operates an elementary school, a middle school, and Hico High School. The district serves students from pre‑kindergarten through grade 12.
Transportation
- Highways: Texas State Highway 36 passes through Hico, connecting it to Hamilton (north) and Gatesville (south).
- Rail: No active passenger rail service currently operates in the city, though the original railway corridor remains part of the regional freight network.
Climate
Hico experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Average annual precipitation is about 30 in (760 mm).
Culture and Community
The city hosts annual community events such as a Fall Festival and a Christmas Parade, reflecting its small‑town character. Historic structures, including the former Hico Carnegie Library and several early 20th‑century commercial buildings, contribute to its local heritage.
Notable People
- Patricia S. Macfarlane – Former Texas House of Representatives member (District 96), raised in Hico.
All data reflect the most recent publicly available information from United States Census Bureau records, Texas state and local government sources, and documented historical accounts.
