TexasPop. 89,602Smaller cities
Is Temple a Good Place to Live? Temple, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Temple ranks #851 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #359 of 524 smaller cities and #46 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and low living costs (91.1, #59 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Temple by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Temple'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 Temple?
Temple'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 $1,231/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,701, 18% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Temple | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91.1#250 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $245,701#231 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,381/mo#238 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $239,000#358 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,231/mo#471 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.7%#647 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Temple 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. Temple is in the Killeen-Temple, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Temple safe?
Temple recorded 316 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 373 and 21% below Texas's 401. That ranks #580 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #256 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Temple Police Department. Property crime runs 2,385 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Temple | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 316#580 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,385#828 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Temple?
The median household in Temple earns $68,204, 11% below the US figure of $76,827 and 7% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Temple | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $68,204#853 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16%#922 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +2.2%#85 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Temple?
The median resident of Temple is 33.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #768 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Temple | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30.6%#768 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Temple's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Temple; its public schools have 14.7 students per teacher and spend $11,972 per pupil. 42.8% of adults are obese and 14.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Temple | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,972#963 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 42.8%#1238 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.2%#1104 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 16.5%#1129 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 15,403 students are enrolled in Temple's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Temple?
The average commute in Temple is 21 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.4% of workers take transit and 11.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Temple scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.7°F and winters 49.8°F, with 37 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Temple | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21 min#422 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.2% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.4% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 60 | 35.7 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 64.3 | 39.2 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 70.5 | 46.2 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 77.8 | 54 | 3.1 |
| May | 84.5 | 62.6 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 91.1 | 69.6 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 95.2 | 72.1 | 1.9 |
| Aug | 96 | 71.8 | 2.5 |
| Sep | 90 | 65.8 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 80.8 | 55.7 | 4 |
| Nov | 69.4 | 45.6 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 61.4 | 38.1 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Stillhouse Hollow Dam.
| Measure | Temple | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 49.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 37 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Stillhouse Hollow Dam.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Temple?
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 | Temple | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#203 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Temple compare with similar-size cities?
Temple is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #359 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 89,602.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 min |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #424 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 | 14.9 min |
| Westminster, CAPop. 89,860 | #856 | 52.4 | $85,541 | $2,168/mo | 334 | 27 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #239 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 | 28.3 min |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 min |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #571 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 | 21 min |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #264 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 | 21 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 Temple compare with the rest of Texas?
Temple ranks #46 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 7% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% 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 |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | … #42 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #43 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #44 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #45 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #46 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #47 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #48 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 |
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #49 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #50 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Temple among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Temple's score calculated?
Temple scores 52.5 out of 100, #851 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Temple. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Temple's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
69.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Temple. Similar-size median 58.9.
34.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Temple's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
46.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Temple's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
78.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Temple. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Temple. Similar-size median 42.4.
62.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Temple. Similar-size median 50.0.
48.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Temple's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
36.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Temple's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Temple 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 Temple
Is Temple, TX a good place to live?
Temple ranks #851 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #359 of 524 smaller cities and #46 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and low living costs (91.1, #59 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Temple?
Temple'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 $1,231/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,701, 18% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Temple?
Temple recorded 316 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 373 and 21% below Texas's 401. That ranks #580 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #256 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Temple Police Department. Property crime runs 2,385 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Temple?
The median household in Temple earns $68,204, 11% below the US figure of $76,827 and 7% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Temple?
Median rent in Temple is $1,231/mo (Census), #471 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,381/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Temple?
Zillow's typical home value in Temple is $245,701, down 3.1% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $239,000.
How are the public schools in Temple?
There is no city graduation rate for Temple; its public schools have 14.7 students per teacher and spend $11,972 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Temple?
The average commute is 21 minutes, #422 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Temple?
Temple averages 66.6°F over the year, 82.7°F in summer and 49.8°F in winter, with 37 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Temple walkable?
Temple scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 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 Temple 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 Temple?
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 Temple?
Temple has 89,602 residents. The median resident of Temple is 33.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #768 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Temple compare with the rest of Texas?
Temple ranks #46 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 7% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 21% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Temple?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Temple's population of 89,602 are Lawton, OK (#1244 overall), Champaign, IL (#424 overall), Westminster, CA (#856 overall), Fort Smith, AR (#1112 overall), and Clifton, NJ (#239 overall). Temple is #851.