Hays County’s population isn’t just expanding—it’s also aging.
Between 2000 and 2024, the total population nearly tripled, from just under 100,000 residents to almost 300,000 in recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates. At the same time, the percentage of people age 65 and older nearly doubled from about 7.5% to 13%.
Leaders across the county are responding with new plans focused on older residents.
Two-minute impact
Hays County formed the Task Force for Aging Gracefully for Everyone, or A.G.E., in December 2024 and has since launched several projects, including a community resource guide and an action plan.
The cities of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle are also rolling out senior-focused efforts, ranging from home repair help to new plans and hubs.
“Living doesn’t stop just because you turn 50 or 60. We shouldn’t have to be stuck at home in front of a TV all day,” said 70-year-old Betty Connelly, president of nonprofit Kyle Area Senior Zone, or KASZ, which provides a space for area seniors to give back, meet friends, learn skills and more. “We have a lot to give back.”
San Marcos
From Oct. 8 to Nov. 17, San Marcos officials opened pre-applications for a new Community Development Block Grant-funded Home Rehabilitation and Repair Program, offering up to $25,000 in forgivable grants and up to $75,000 in deferred, zero-interest loans for major repairs. Planning and Development Services officials said they are prioritizing applications based on whether anyone in the home is an older adult or has a disability.
The new program is limited to applicants who own and live in a single-family home. Additionally, the program is reserved for those making less than 80% of the area’s median income. For 2025, that is up to $72,950 for a one-person household and up to $104,200 for a four-person household, according to thresholds set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A city review committee began going through the pre-application submissions in late November. Those approved will be invited to submit a full application with more details for funding. Officials said they are still deciding if this will be offered each year or every two years.
Buda
While San Marcos works through its first cycle of home repair funding, Buda is putting into action its first long-term framework for older adults, the plan for which was adopted by City Council on July 15.
The Age-Friendly Action Plan was formulated using recommendations from Buda community members. It is centered around senior-focused housing, outdoor spaces and more. Subsidized STAR senior transportation services are offered by the city and include free, curb-to-curb transportation for independent seniors to places including non-emergency medical appointments, grocery and retail stores, and more.
The Buda Commission on Aging also partners with the city to maintain an older-adult resources list to help residents find things to do and resources, such as food assistance, mental health services and more.
Matthew Wright, Buda human resources director and Commission on Aging staff liaison, explained that a partnership between the commission, the city of Buda and area nonprofits, called the Buda Community Partners Program, provides a range of support for older adults.
“These collaborations allow us to expand outreach, improve accessibility and ensure older adults and their caregivers have the information and support they need,” Wright said. “As Buda grows, the program helps our older residents remain safe.”
Kyle
As Buda refines long-term plans, Kyle is moving ahead with senior-focused spaces.
Construction began in September on a $4.5 million community center with a strong focus on seniors and an expected spring completion.
KASZ, which runs free programming for adults age 50 and older at the historic Kyle City Hall—now the Krug Activity Center at 101 S. Burleson St.—will share the space with other community groups; however, KASZ will have priority during daytime hours, officials said.
Connelly shared that the center will house six multipurpose rooms, each holding up to 50 people, and feature flexible walls that can open into larger ballroom-type spaces, which will accommodate up to 300 people.
KASZ currently has more than 1,500 members, and Connelly said up to two dozen are joining each month.
“We have to turn people away all the time because there’s just not enough room,” said KASZ Communications Director Ellen Ermis.
Ermis noted that, although the new space will more than double their current capacity, she suspects Kyle’s continued growth will create a need for more space sooner than later.
What else?
Beyond the city limits, efforts to improve senior wellness in Hays County are underway.
County Judge Ruben Becerra said Task Force A.G.E. was formed in late 2024 to “support seniors in aging gracefully at home.”
Isabella Vigil, behavioral health coordinator for the Hays County Health Department, said the first Hays County Resource Directory was published in 2024, and the second edition was released this past October.
Although it is not primarily for seniors, the directory provides information on various types of free and paid services for older residents.
Vigil said an updated directory with more emphasis on senior-related resources will be released by October.
