Hillsboro was platted in 1807, and most likely named for the hills near the original town site.[5] One of the late 19th century's largest reform organizations, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union that went on to play important roles in achieving women's suffrage and prohibition, was founded in Hillsboro in 1873.
As of the census[16] of 2010, there were 6,605 people, 2,755 households, and 1,612 families living in the city. The population density was 1,216.4 inhabitants per square mile (469.7/km2). There were 3,181 housing units at an average density of 585.8 per square mile (226.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.0% White, 5.8% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.
There were 2,755 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.7% were married couples living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.97.
The median age in the city was 38.7 years. 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 22.4% were from 45 to 64; and 20.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 44.9% male and 55.1% female.
2000 census
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 6,368 people, 2,686 households, and 1,633 families living in the city. The population density was 1,227.1 inhabitants per square mile (473.8/km2). There were 2,971 housing units at an average density of 572.5 per square mile (221.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.58% White, 6.39% African American, 0.20% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94% of the population.
There were 2,686 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,998, and the median income for a family was $34,750. Males had a median income of $30,984 versus $22,665 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,400. About 13.5% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.6% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Hillsboro has produced steel alloy bells, which were shipped around the world.[17]
Arts and culture
Since 1976 the city hosts the "Festival of the Bells" during the fourth of July weekend.
Hillsboro has a public library, a branch of the Highland County District Library.[18]
Education
Oak Street Water Tower, constructed 1962
Hillsboro City Schools operates two public elementary schools, one middle school, and Hillsboro High School.[19] Parochial schools in Hillsboro include Hillsboro Christian Academy[20] and St. Mary Catholic Elementary School.[21]
