RANK #953 / 996 · POP 372,821 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: -3.0%
Bell County, Texas, is characterized by its blend of small-town atmosphere and access to larger city amenities. Belton, the county seat, offers a historic downtown square and is home to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The county is situated in Central Texas, approximately an hour north of Austin and 30-40 minutes south of Waco, making commutes to these cities feasible. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Numerous parks, like Miller Spring Park and Chalk Ridge Falls, offer trails for hiking and biking, along with scenic views.
Life in Bell County attracts a mix of families, professionals, and military personnel due to its affordability and community focus. The presence of Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) significantly influences the local population and economy. The economy is diversified, with growth in healthcare, education, and emerging technology sectors. Temple, for instance, is recognized as a medical hub with major healthcare institutions. Manufacturing and distribution also contribute to the economic landscape, benefiting from the county's location along I-35.
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Bell County East to Big Hill 765 kV Transmission Line Project
Oncor Electric Delivery and LCRA Transmission Services
|
$1,900M | Proposed |
|
Rowan Digital Infrastructure Data Center Campus
Rowan Digital Infrastructure
|
$700M | Under Construction |
|
Five Wells Solar Center - Hybrid (Battery Storage)
Five Wells Solar Center, LLC
|
$262M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Bell County has a Boom Town Index score of 4/100, ranking #953 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.1% and a median household income of $62,858, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Bell County is $196,300 with median rent at $1,095/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3202, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.1%. Home values changed -1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.64% of Bell County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.