In the South Plains, Hale County is centered on Plainview, its county seat. Established in 1876, it grew with irrigation, cotton, and cattle. Plainview has a regional hospital, schools, and retail, serving as the hub for surrounding rural areas. The county is strongly rural with a central town, offering modest housing: brick ranchers, cottages, and some newer subdivisions in Plainview. Lubbock lies 45 minutes south, providing broader amenities. Prices are modest, with existing homes generally $120,000–$220,000, while farmland sells $2,500–$5,000 per acre, depending on irrigation. Buyers often include farmers, local families, or those seeking affordable homes within reach of Lubbock jobs.