And some of the larger dales such as Ulmsdale and Vestdale would have to have more than 1000 people. That would mean High Hallack had about 50,000 people. Kind of a poor showing for a country coveted by Alizon.
Most numbers seem to refer to the number of soldiers a lord or officer commanded.
That's not very many. The numbers sound reasonable to me. I seem to recall Michael, that in the 2nd Turning book that P.M. Griffin gives an attempt at the estimated number of Falconers. When the people of Seakeep fought against the Sultanites, Gunnora gave an estimate on the number of troops that needed to be faced. That would mean High Hallack had about 50,000 people.