Hemphill, Texas, serves as the county seat of Sabine County and is a pivotal commercial hub in the region. Established in 1858 and incorporated in 1939, Hemphill has evolved into a center for the lumber industry and a gateway to the Toledo Bend Reservoir, renowned for its fishing and water-related activities. The city is also home to the Patricia Huffman Smith "Remembering Columbia" NASA Museum, commemorating the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
Demographics
As of 2025, Hemphill's population is projected to be approximately 1,035 residents. The racial composition includes 67.43% White, 14.24% Black or African American, 7.37% Asian, 5.3% Native American, and smaller percentages of other races. The median age is 39.2 years, with males averaging 29.9 years and females 41.8 years.
Economic Overview
The median household income in Hemphill is $58,445, with an average per capita income of $50,517. The poverty rate stands at 27.38%. The local economy is supported by industries such as health care and social assistance, retail trade, and transportation and warehousing. The unemployment rate is 11.0%, higher than the national average of 6.0%.
Housing Market
The median home value in Hemphill is $184,800, significantly lower than the national median of $338,100. Over the past year, home appreciation in Hemphill was 16.22%, compared to the national average of 8.27%. The median age of Hemphill's real estate is 40 years.
Cost of Living
Hemphill's cost of living index is 77, indicating that it is 23.0% lower than the U.S. average. Housing costs are particularly affordable, with a typical home costing $184,800, which is 45.3% less expensive than the national average. Renting a two-bedroom unit averages $840 per month, 41.3% cheaper than the national average.
Education
The educational attainment in Hemphill includes 37.68% of residents being high school graduates (or equivalent), 20.99% having some college education without a degree, and 11.34% holding a bachelor's degree. The city is served by the Hemphill Independent School District, providing educational services to the community.
Healthcare
Approximately 75.6% of Hemphill's population has health coverage, with 26.1% on employee plans, 29.8% on Medicaid, 4.81% on Medicare, 12% on non-group plans, and 2.92% on military or VA plans. Primary care physicians in Sabine County see an average of 5,254 patients per year.
Municipal Services
The City of Hemphill operates under a General Law Type A municipality, electing a mayor and five aldermen at-large. The city owns and manages its municipal utilities, including electric, water, natural gas, and sewer services. Additionally, Hemphill provides police protection, garbage collection, animal control, parks, and solid waste disposal services.
Strategic Initiatives
City officials are actively pursuing economic development strategies, including downtown revitalization and historical designation of the downtown district. Efforts are also underway to enhance internet services in collaboration with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments.
Contact Information
For more information, visit the official website of the City of Hemphill.
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