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.