TexasPop. 158,159Mid-size cities
Is Killeen a Good Place to Live? Killeen, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Killeen ranks #1168 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #219 of 256 mid-size cities and #67 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (91.1, #30 of 256) and affordable homes ($215,400, #39 of 256), and trails on low household income ($60,977, #208 of 256) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
Killeen by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Killeen's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Killeen?
Killeen's cost of living index is 91.1, 9% below the US level of 100 and #250 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,208/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,533, 27% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Killeen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.1#250 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $219,533#166 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,273/mo#144 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $215,400#282 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,208/mo#445 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.8%#872 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Killeen housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Killeen is in the Killeen-Temple, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Killeen safe?
Killeen recorded 498 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% above the US rate of 328 and 44% above Texas's 345. That ranks #842 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Killeen Police Department. Property crime runs 1,643 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Killeen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 498#842 of 1,085 | 345 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,643#546 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Killeen?
The median household in Killeen earns $60,977, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Killeen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $60,977#1024 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 17.4%#1006 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Killeen?
The median resident of Killeen is 30.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Killeen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 30.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 21.9%#1099 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 49.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Killeen's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Killeen; its public schools have 15.9 students per teacher and spend $11,819 per pupil. 45.7% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Killeen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,819#980 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 45.7%#1294 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 17.3%#1154 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 29,013 students are enrolled in Killeen's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Killeen?
The average commute in Killeen is 25.5 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.3% of workers take transit and 7.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Killeen scores 7.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.2°F and winters 49.5°F, with 34.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Killeen | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 25.5 min#814 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 11.3%#1124 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 78% | 71.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.8% | 12.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.3#1203 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59.5 | 36.1 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 63.1 | 39.9 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 69.8 | 47.1 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 77 | 53.6 | 2.2 |
| May | 83.8 | 63 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 92.2 | 69.7 | 3.2 |
| Jul | 95.7 | 72.3 | 2.7 |
| Aug | 96.6 | 72.7 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 89.6 | 66.7 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 79.7 | 56.4 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 69.4 | 45.8 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 60.4 | 38.1 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Killeen.
| Measure | Killeen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 83.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 34.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Killeen.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Killeen?
Bell County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bell County's biggest natural hazard losses in cold wave, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Killeen | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#203 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bell County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bell County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | 0.0019% | 100% of counties |
| Hail | 0.014% | 90% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 71% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.002% | 67% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0026% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.051% | 12% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Killeen compare with similar-size cities?
Killeen is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #219 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 158,159.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #1168 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 | 25.5 min |
| Hayward, CAPop. 158,801 | #792 | 53.4 | $113,318 | $2,391/mo | 460 | 32.3 min |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #1239 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 | 22.6 min |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #83 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 | 28.4 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 min |
| Surprise, AZPop. 154,948 | #391 | 60.2 | $96,711 | $2,033/mo | 86 | 30.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Killeen compare with the rest of Texas?
Killeen ranks #67 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 46.1 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 24% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 44% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | … #63 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #64 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 |
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #65 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #66 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #67 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #68 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #69 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 |
| Houston, TXPop. 2,328,253 | #70 | 44.3 | $64,813 | $1,361/mo | 884 |
| Baytown, TXPop. 85,205 | #71 | 43.5 | $59,910 | $1,307/mo | 399 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Killeen among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Killeen's score calculated?
Killeen scores 46.1 out of 100, #1168 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Killeen. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Killeen's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
63.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Killeen. Similar-size median 53.8.
28.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Killeen's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
41.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Killeen's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
79.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Killeen. Similar-size median 51.2.
34.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Killeen. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Killeen. Similar-size median 50.1.
37.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Killeen's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
33.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
68.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Killeen's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Killeen has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Killeen
Is Killeen, TX a good place to live?
Killeen ranks #1168 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #219 of 256 mid-size cities and #67 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (91.1, #30 of 256) and affordable homes ($215,400, #39 of 256), and trails on low household income ($60,977, #208 of 256) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Killeen?
Killeen's cost of living index is 91.1, 9% below the US level of 100 and #250 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,208/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,533, 27% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Killeen?
Killeen recorded 498 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 52% above the US rate of 328 and 44% above Texas's 345. That ranks #842 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #167 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Killeen Police Department. Property crime runs 1,643 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Killeen?
The median household in Killeen earns $60,977, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Killeen?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,208/mo (Census), #445 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,273/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Killeen?
The typical home value in Killeen is $219,533, down 1.1% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $215,400.
How are the public schools in Killeen?
There is no city graduation rate for Killeen; its public schools have 15.9 students per teacher and spend $11,819 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Killeen?
The average commute is 25.5 minutes, #814 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 11.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Killeen?
Killeen averages 66.6°F over the year, 83.2°F in summer and 49.5°F in winter, with 34.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Killeen walkable?
Killeen scores 7.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Killeen at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bell County's biggest natural hazard losses in cold wave, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Killeen?
Bell County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Killeen?
Killeen has 158,159 residents. The median resident of Killeen is 30.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Killeen compare with the rest of Texas?
Killeen ranks #67 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 46.1 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 24% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 44% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Killeen?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Killeen's population of 158,159 are Hayward, CA (#792 overall), Paterson, NJ (#1239 overall), Alexandria, VA (#83 overall), Lakewood, CO (#775 overall), and Macon, GA (#1272 overall). Killeen is #1168.