Is Bellmead Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bellmead

Bellmead, Texas, offers a distinct living experience within the Waco metropolitan area. This city balances a close-knit community feel with access to the amenities of a larger urban center. Residents often appreciate the blend of suburban tranquility and convenient city access.

The city is characterized by a diverse population and a local economy that supports various industries. Understanding the various facets of Bellmead, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and educational opportunities, is key for anyone considering a move to this Central Texas community.

Is it Safe to Live in Bellmead?

Bellmead presents a complex safety profile, with crime rates that are notably higher than national averages. The overall crime rate is 72% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 28% higher and property crimes 81% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes, citing FBI Uniform Crime Reports for 2024). Bellmead ranks in the 9th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than only 9% of U.S. cities, with a higher violent crime rate than both the Texas state average and the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Bellmead is approximately 1 in 28 (according to AreaVibes).

However, crime distribution can vary significantly by neighborhood. While some analyses suggest the southeast part of the city is considered the safest by residents, the chance of being a victim of violent crime can range from 1 in 85 in the northwest to 1 in 418 in the southeast. Additionally, a 2017 report by Safewise.com listed Bellmead as number 10 on its “30 Most Dangerous Cities in America” list, based on per capita violent and property crime rates (as reported by kcentv.com). The overall crime index in Bellmead is 1% below the national average, and it is considered safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Waco (according to DoorProfit).

Cost of Living

Bellmead is generally considered an affordable place to live, with its cost of living being 6% less expensive than the national average. It is also 3% more expensive than the average city in Texas (as per ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to several key areas, including food and transportation costs, which are more affordable than the U.S. average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).

Housing costs in Bellmead are also noted as being affordable compared to the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The median home value in Bellmead was approximately $150,424 in March 2026, showing a decrease of 4.8% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median listing price for homes was $199,900 in March 2026 (according to Realtor.com®). For renters, the median rent in Bellmead was $1,395 per month (as reported by Zillow), with apartment rents averaging around $1,050 per month for a 1-bedroom and $1,300 for a 2-bedroom (according to Zumper).

Housing Market

The Bellmead housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with a median sale price of $204K in March 2026, representing a 2.6% increase year-over-year (according to Redfin). Homes in Bellmead are selling at a median of 103% of their asking price, and the median price per square foot is $159 (as per Realtor.com®). The inventory of homes for sale is relatively tight, with 52 homes on the market in March 2026 (according to Realtor.com®).

On average, homes in Bellmead sell after 87 days on the market, which is an increase from 50 days in the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median home value has seen a slight decrease of 4.8% over the past year, reaching $150,424 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). While the market shows some signs of cooling, with an increase in days on market, the median listing price remains around $199,900 (as per Realtor.com®).

Job Market and Major Employers

Bellmead’s economy supports a workforce of approximately 3,990 individuals, with the largest employment sectors being Construction, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as per Data USA). The highest paying industries in Bellmead include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Finance & Insurance. The average annual salary in Bellmead is approximately $45,612, with most salaries ranging between $31,190 and $56,797 (according to ZipRecruiter).

The city is home to a variety of businesses, including well-known retail names such as Home Depot, Wal Mart, HEB, and Sam’s (as reported by the City of Bellmead). The trades sector also offers numerous opportunities with engineering and construction firms. The hospitality industry is also growing, with several hotel properties and more planned (according to the City of Bellmead). Major employers contributing to the city’s economic vitality are highlighted by the Bellmead Economic Development Corporation.

Climate

Bellmead experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold, windy winters, with the weather being partly cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically range from 39°F to 97°F and rarely drop below 28°F or exceed 103°F (according to Time and Date). The hot season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 89°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 96°F and lows of 76°F.

The cooler season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 40°F and highs of 60°F (as reported by Time and Date). Bellmead receives an average annual rainfall of about 3.02 inches, with May being the wettest month, averaging 4.66 inches of precipitation. July is the driest month, with an average of 1.88 inches of rain (according to Time and Date).

School Ratings

Bellmead is primarily served by the La Vega Independent School District, with a small portion falling under the Connally Independent School District (as noted by Wikipedia). La Vega High School, located in Waco, TX, has an overall Niche grade of B, with particular strengths in Diversity, Teachers, and Sports. The school has approximately 877 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 23% of students are proficient in math and 36% in reading (as reported by Niche).

However, school test scores in Bellmead are reported as being 100% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). While La Vega High School is rated as above average, the overall educational environment and test score proficiency may present challenges. Further detailed data on school quality and test scores is available from sources such as NeighborhoodScout, which rates La Vega High School as better than 16.7% of Texas schools and 17.7% of U.S. schools based on its analysis of U.S. Department of Education data.

Demographics

Bellmead is home to approximately 10,566 residents, with a median age of 36.1 years (according to Data USA and Census Reporter). The population is diverse, with Hispanic residents making up the largest group at 51.2%, followed by White residents at 28.8%, and Black or African American residents at 13.5% (as reported by Data USA and Census Reporter). Approximately 82.9% of Bellmead residents are U.S. citizens (as per Data USA).

The median household income in Bellmead was $52,075 in 2024 (according to Census Reporter), with a poverty rate of 24.93% (as reported by World Population Review). The foreign-born population in Bellmead is around 19.3% (as per Data USA), which is higher than the national average. The male to female ratio is nearly balanced, with 51.1% male and 48.9% female residents (according to Wikipedia).