Firstly why Killeen, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Killeen
• State: Texas
• Population: 153,095 people
• Killeen’s quick summary would be Known for its proximity to Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the world.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 250

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a military presence and affordability attracting service members and families

Perk #1: Killeen Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $46,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Killeen is $46,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Killeen’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,070
• Property Tax %: 2.05%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Killeen
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Killeen, Fort-Hood, Harker-Heights, Nolanville, and probably could include Copperas-Cove
• Avg. Age of Homes in Killeen: 30 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Killeen’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Killeen are  Military, Retail, and Education
• Killeen Job Scene: moderate job market primarily in military and services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement primarily in local services and military contracting , ,
• Killeen Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Killeen: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 60 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Killeen

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-14 provides access through Killeen connecting it to Fort Hood
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Fort Hood Street
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Killeen: 50,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Killeen: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Killeen-Fort Hood Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Killeen’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Killeen is best described as features hot humid summers and mild winters with regular precipitation
• Winter Weather in Killeen i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in Killeen can be described as warm with rain possible
• Summer’s in Killeen are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Killeen is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 19 days in summer
• Days in a row in Killeen below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally maintained with few issues
• Killeen Winter Air generally good air quality minor seasonal variations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Killeen Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Killeen 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Killeens’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Killeen City Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Killeen Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Killeen only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Killeen only Police Officers is about 120
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Killeen’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Killeen’s Monthly Gym Membership: $39
• Killeen’s Water Quality Score: 68

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Killeen

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: military town focusing on community and local events
• You might enjoy live music at local parks
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Killeen  features local bars and eateries suited for relaxed evenings with family and friends creating community bonds

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Killeen

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and fast food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 15 scattered around Killeen
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Killeen can be described as military-influenced city with conservative leanings
• Killeen’s Longer standing religious establishment is Killeen First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Killeen Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Killeen has 10 Parks?
• Killeen Parks is Killeen’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Killeen Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Killeen Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Killeen can be described as steady pace with a strong military presence and community engagement
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Killeen exploring parks sports activities community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Killeen are Austin 20 miles away Georgetown 15 miles away Pflugerville 8 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Killeen or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Fort Hood Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Killeen’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Killeen is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Killeen are Austin 20 miles away Georgetown 15 miles away Pflugerville 8 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Killeen has 0 days in a row below freezing and 19 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Killeen people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   250 homeless people living in Killeen. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general military-influenced city with conservative leanings could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Killeen.

Retiree & Senior Life in Killeen

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax relief programs assisting with finances
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waterford
• Killeen Senior Center offers fitness activities meal programs and social resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Killeen, Texas?

If Killeen, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Killeen, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!