Hale County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, its population was 36,273. The county seat is Plainview. The county was created in 1876 and organized in 1888. It is named for Lt. John C. Hale, a hero of the Battle of San Jacinto. It is home of the noted former Hale County Judge, Judge Bill Hollars a.k.a. "Hang 'Em High" Hollars.