Abilene is a city in Taylor County, Texas, United States, in the central portion of the state. The population was 115,930 at the 2000 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2006 estimated population of 158,063. It is the county seat of Taylor County. Dyess Air Force Base is located to the west of the city. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 286.5 km² (110.6 mi²). 272.3 km² (105.1 mi²) of it is land and 14.2 km² (5.5 mi²) of it is water (4.95%).

As of the census of 2000, there were 115,930 people, 2005 estimate placed the city's population at 120,021), 41,570 households, and 28,101 families residing in the city. The population density was 425.8/km² (1,102.7/mi²). There were 45,618 housing units at an average density of 167.5/km² (433.9/mi²). The ethnic makeup of the city was 78.07% White, 8.81% African American, 0.55% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 8.73% from other races, and 2.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.45% of the population.