Bosque County

Bosque County: The Beautiful Gateway to Texas Hill Country

Bosque County is a beautiful location within the region, with the scenic Bosque River winding throughout a landscape of rolling hills. The natural beauty has resulted in the county being known as an artistic destination, with several communities, working facilities and museums highlighting the area’s renown. Additionally, the county has a growing retirement community, with the city of Clifton having been listed in 2009 as one of only 40 Certified Retirement Communities in Texas. The growing interest, coupled with rising property values and low tax rates, mark Bosque County with huge potential for economic development, specifically in the health care sector.

Like regions across the country, unemployment in Bosque County has increased somewhat in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas Workforce Commission reported that Bosque County had a total Civilian Labor Force of 8,247 in November 2020, with an unemployment rate of 6.0%, lower than the Texas total of 8% unemployed. In comparison, Bosque County unemployment was 3.4% in November 2019.

Clifton has a vibrant art scene, highlighted by the Bosque Arts Center, a three-story historic landmark built in 1923 on a hilltop overlooking the town and the scenic Bosque River valley. The Center has been the hub for all artistic endeavors in the county since the 1960’s, from housing nationally-recognized collections to currently working artists and sculptors residing in the area. For more information on economic development in Clifton, visit the Clifton Economic Development Corporation.

Meridian features the natural beauty and artistic offerings found along the Bosque River Valley, billing itself as “Top of the Hill Country.” As the county seat, its historical courthouse, built in 1886 and restored in 2007, is listed as a Texas Historic Landmark. Renowned artists George Hallmark, Lelahd Hensley, Teddi Marks, Dawn Sharp call Meridian home, which also hosts the National Championship Barbeque Cookoff. Learn more at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce or the Meridian Economic Development Corporation.

Click on the cities within Bosque County for more information:

Population

Total Population

18,883

Population
Growth Rate

0.24%

Median Age

48

Diversity Index

57.200

Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31

Housing & Income

Households

7,902

Total Housing Units

9,760


Owner Occupied

6,114

Renter Occupied

1,788

Vacant

1,858

Median Home Value

$231,883


Average Home Value

$305,689

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.49%

Income Projection

Median Household

$66,143 $72,497


Average Household

$86,007 $95,753


Per Capita

$36,104 $40,833

Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31

Workforce

Total Businesses

665

Total Employed

5,588

Workers 16+

7,471

2026 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

31

Employed

1,186

2026 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

35

Employed

819

2026 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

104

Employed

684

2026 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

71

Employed

593

2026 Other Service excl Pub Admin

cp-industries

Businesses

89

Employed

413

2026 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

54

Employed

355

Some
High School

922

Graduated
High School

3,884

Associates
Degree

1,439

Bachelor's
Degree

2,062

Graduate
Degree

1,057

Average Commute Time

29 min.



Resident Commuters

4,384

Non-Resident Commuters

3,026

Drive Alone

5,929

Carpooled

641

Public

0

Work At Home

728

Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31