Bell County Public RecordsTexas

As of 2023, Bell County, TX, has an estimated population of 398,000. The median age is around 31 years, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racially, the population is 53.1% White, 23.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 5.9% reporting two or more races. The county’s diversity reflects its proximity to Fort Cavazos and several growing urban centers.

Bell County, TX, has over 200,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout reaching 61% in the 2020 presidential election. The Elections Administration manages 41 polling locations. In 2022, Republicans secured 65% of the countywide vote, Democrats 34%. Issues often include property taxes and local infrastructure. Both major parties are active, with GOP holding most local offices. Voter registration can be completed online or in person, and early voting is offered at 10 sites countywide.

Bell County, TX, hosts over 55 public schools, including notable high schools such as Belton and Harker Heights. About 86% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 23% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Major postsecondary options include Central Texas College and Texas A&M University–Central Texas. The average public school rating hovers around 6/10 (GreatSchools). The county prioritizes school safety with resource officers and bullying prevention programs, and offers advanced placement, career and technical education, and adult learning courses to support lifelong educational achievement.

As of 2023, Bell County, TX, reported an unemployment rate of approximately 3.7%. Major employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), Retail Trade (12%), and Public Administration (11%). Popular occupations are in office/administrative support (14%) and management/business (11%). Most residents commute solo by car, with a mean travel time of about 24 minutes. Key employment hubs are Killeen, Temple, and Fort Cavazos, with Fort Cavazos being a significant employer in public administration and defense.

Bell County, TX, boasts a homeownership rate of around 58%, with a median home value of approximately $225,000. Rentals constitute about 42% of occupied units, with median monthly rents near $1,200. The housing market has seen values rise by 5% year-over-year. Predominant housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and apartments. Popular neighborhoods include Temple, Killeen, and Belton. Property tax rates average 2.2%, resulting in an annual property tax of roughly $4,950 on a median-valued home. The area is attractive for both families and military personnel stationed at Fort Cavazos.

Bell County, TX faces moderate crime rates compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 25.8 per 1,000. Killeen, the largest city, sees higher incident numbers, while smaller towns report lower rates. The Bell County Sheriff's Office and local police departments actively report and track crime data, collaborating on community safety initiatives. Overall, crime is slightly above the Texas median, but proactive policing and neighborhood programs aim to improve safety and reduce offenses annually.