Is Killeen Safe, Pros and cons of living in Killeen

Killeen, Texas, situated in the heart of Central Texas, offers a unique blend of community and opportunity. Its identity is closely tied to the significant military presence at Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood, which has shaped its growth and demographics. This dynamic influences the local economy and the overall atmosphere of the city.

The city is known for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Texas cities, making it an attractive option for families and individuals. Killeen provides a suburban feel with access to various amenities and a growing job market. Understanding the nuances of daily life, from safety to economic prospects, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Central Texas hub.

Is it Safe to Live in Killeen?

Crime Rates

Killeen’s crime rate is higher than the national average across all communities in America, though not among the highest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Killeen is 1 in 188, and property crime is 1 in 71 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s crime rate is higher than 82% of Texas cities and towns of similar sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, compared to other communities of similar population size, Killeen’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). NeighborhoodScout’s analysis indicates that Killeen has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Within Killeen, residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 10 in northern neighborhoods to 1 in 56 in the southwest (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics). Zip code 76549, for instance, is considered a safe neighborhood with an overall crime index of 57, which is 43% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Cost of Living and Housing

Cost of Living

Killeen’s overall cost of living is approximately 13% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Housing expenses are notably lower, being 27% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Transportation costs are also more affordable, coming in 11% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Grocery prices are 7% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale), and healthcare costs are 15% lower (as reported by PayScale). While utility prices are slightly higher than the national average, the overall cost of living remains significantly more affordable than in many other U.S. cities. For a single person, monthly expenses are estimated at $2,105, and for a family of four, they are around $4,635 (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Market

The housing market in Killeen shows a median listing price of $234,900 (as reported by Killeen, TX Housing Market & Rental Trends). However, other sources indicate a median home price of $119,000 as of December 2025, with a year-over-year decrease of 6.7% (as reported by Prop:Metrics). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Killeen is around $1,200 (as reported by Zumper and Zillow).

Renting a house in Killeen averages about $1,550 per month, with prices varying significantly based on size and location (as reported by Trulia). Apartments tend to be more affordable, with the median rent for an apartment at $895 (as reported by Zumper). Killeen’s housing market is characterized by relative affordability, especially when compared to larger Texas metropolitan areas.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

The economy of Killeen is significantly influenced by Fort Cavazos, which is a major employer for both military personnel and civilian staff (as reported by Greater Killeen Area). Beyond the military, key employers include Killeen ISD, Central Texas College, and Baylor Scott & White Health (as reported by Greater Killeen Area). Other significant employers in the region include Advanced Electrical Systems, Teleperformance, and Raytheon (as reported by TxEDC).

The diverse industry sectors thriving in the Killeen-Temple area include aerospace and aviation, materials manufacturing, and financial services (as reported by TxEDC). Major business clusters also encompass aviation maintenance and defense contractors, as well as retail and e-commerce hubs serving Central Texas. This broad economic base provides a variety of employment opportunities for residents.

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Killeen is approximately $50,264 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources report the average salary for jobs in Killeen, Texas, at $62,152 per year, or an hourly rate of $30 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Killeen, TX, is currently at 5.60% (as reported by YCharts).

The Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood MSA has an unemployment rate of 5.00% (as reported by FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). While Killeen’s unemployment rate has fluctuated, it remains lower than its long-term average (as reported by YCharts). The average hourly wage in the Killeen-Temple, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area was $28.28 in May 2024, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Rainfall

Killeen experiences a warm climate with mild winters and hot summers, typical of Central Texas. Average temperatures range from a low of 35°F in January to highs reaching 98°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives moderate total precipitation of 36 inches annually, with May being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers are hot and muggy, with temperatures often in the mid-90s, while winters are mild and dry. The hot season lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 89°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The cool season extends from November to February, with average daily high temperatures below 67°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Killeen Independent School District (ISD) serves the city, and it holds an overall rating of C with a score of 74 out of 100 from the Texas Education Agency (as reported by Texas School Report Cards). While the district as a whole faces academic challenges, some individual schools perform better. Chaparral High School is noted as the highest-ranked high school within the district (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Niche ranks Killeen ISD as the #3 most diverse school district in Texas out of 888 (as reported by Niche). However, state test scores indicate that 35% of students are proficient in math and 48% in reading (as reported by Killeen Independent School District). There is a significant achievement gap between the highest and lowest-performing schools within the district, with many schools struggling with low proficiency rates on standardized tests (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics

Killeen is home to a population of approximately 158,000 people (as reported by Data USA and Killeen, TX Population 2026). The largest racial or ethnic groups in Killeen are Black or African American, followed by Hispanic and White residents (as reported by Data USA and Killeen Demographics). In 2024, Black or African American residents constituted about 38% of the population, Hispanics 27.2%, and White residents 25.6% (as reported by Killeen Demographics).

The median age in Killeen is 30.3 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (as reported by Killeen, TX Population 2026). The city has a growing population, with a projected increase to over 163,000 residents by 2026 (as reported by Killeen, TX Population 2026). A notable percentage of Killeen residents were born outside the country, approximately 9.52% as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA).