Killeen, TX: A 2026 Relocation Data Deep Dive

1. Killeen: The Data Profile (2026)

Killeen represents a specific economic ecosystem anchored by the massive footprint of Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos). The city's population stands at 159,635, creating a mid-sized market that avoids the hyper-competition of major metros. The primary statistical differentiator is the income-to-cost ratio. The median household income is $60,067, which is 19.5% below the national median of $74,580. However, this lower income is offset by a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of roughly 86.5 (weighted average), meaning purchasing power is significantly higher.

The educational attainment rate is 24.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, notably lower than the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor market skewed toward skilled trades, military support, and service industries rather than high-tech or specialized corporate sectors.

Target Demographic: The statistical profile points to two distinct groups:

1. Military Families: Active duty and veterans utilizing VA loans and accessing the Fort Cavazos economic ecosystem.
2. Remote Knowledge Workers: Individuals earning the US median income ($74,580) or higher, leveraging geographic arbitrage to maximize disposable income in a low-cost housing market.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While the median income is lower than average, the deflationary pressure on essential expenses creates a unique value proposition. The aggregate COL index is roughly 13.5% lower than the national average.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the local median of $60,067 takes home approximately $4,200/month (post-tax). After covering the $2,473 estimated monthly expenses, they retain roughly $1,727 in disposable income. This represents a 41% savings rate, which is significantly healthier than the national average. Conversely, a remote worker earning the US median of $74,580 would retain approximately $2,500/month, effectively supercharging their savings capacity.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary driver of Killeen's affordability. The Housing Index of 76.5 indicates that housing costs are 23.5% cheaper than the national average. This differential allows for entry into the market that is impossible in most metros.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The price-to-rent ratio favors buying. On a $225,000 home with a 6.5% interest rate and 10% down, the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) is roughly $1,750. Comparing this to a $1,650 rental for a similar size home, the "buy premium" is negligible. With a $225,000 entry point, the 3.5% FHA down payment is only $7,875, making homeownership accessible. The low inventory turnover (typical for military towns) suggests that buying is a strategic move to lock in costs before potential rate drops in 2026/2027.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

Killeen’s economy is insulated but not immune to national trends. The "Post-Remote" era has shifted the local dynamic.

• RTO Impact: With the US average Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate rate at 55%, Killeen remains a haven for remote workers. There is virtually no local corporate pressure to return to a physical office, as the local white-collar infrastructure is limited.
• Commute & Infrastructure: The average commute time is 21 minutes, significantly lower than the US average of 27 minutes. Traffic congestion is minimal outside of peak shifting hours at Fort Cavazos.
• Local Industry: The economy is dominated by Public Administration (Fort Cavazos) and Healthcare. This provides stability but limits wage growth.
• Unemployment: The unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, slightly above the national average of 4.0%. This is historically typical for the region due to the transient nature of the military population entering and exiting the workforce.

5. Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life score is a study in contrasts: excellent physical environment but concerning health metrics.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is the primary trade-off in Killeen. Violent crime is 567 per 100k residents, which is 49.2% higher than the US average of 380. Property crime is 2890 per 100k, 44.5% higher than the average of 2000. Residents must exercise heightened situational awareness compared to national norms.

Air Quality & Environment:
The environmental data is a major asset. The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 46 (Good), and PM2.5 levels are 6.2 µg/m³, well below the EPA's danger threshold. This is likely due to the lack of heavy industrial manufacturing and favorable wind patterns.

Schools & Weather:
The school district rating averages 5/10 (GreatSchools), which is below average for suburban areas. Families often opt for private schooling or specific niche neighborhoods.
Weather today is 52.0°F with a high of 56°F and low of 40°F. The climate is generally mild Texas Hill Country, though summers can exceed 100°F.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median home price of $225,000 is 46.4% below the national median.
• Disposable Income: Low costs allow for a 41% savings rate for median earners.
• Air Quality: AQI of 46 is better than 80% of US cities.
• Commute: Average 21-minute commute.

Cons:

• Safety: Violent crime is 49.2% above the national average.
• Health Profile: Obesity (45.7%) and Diabetes (13.0%) rates are critically high.
• Income Ceiling: Median income ($60,067) is 19.5% below the US average.
• Education: School ratings are below average.

Recommendation:
Killeen is a High-Yield Financial Pivot. It is recommended for remote workers earning $75,000+ who can leverage the housing arbitrage to build wealth rapidly, or for military personnel contracted to Fort Cavazos. It is not recommended for those seeking a high-energy social scene, top-tier public schools, or a low-crime environment without a budget for private security measures.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Killeen?
To live comfortably (defined as housing <30% of income + savings), a single person needs a salary of roughly $50,000. A family of four needs approximately $85,000. However, a remote worker earning $75,000 will have significantly more purchasing power here than in a major metro.

2. How does the Value vs. other cities compare?
Killeen offers 46% lower housing costs than the national average. If you earn the US median salary ($74,580) and live in Killeen, your financial velocity is roughly 1.5x higher than in Austin or Dallas due to the 76.5 housing index.

3. Are the safety stats accurate?
Yes. The data indicates a Violent Crime rate of 567/100k and Property Crime of 2890/100k. These are statistically significant deviations from the norm. Most incidents are concentrated in specific zones, but the city-wide average is elevated.

4. What is the best timing for relocation?
The optimal time to buy is often late Spring/early Summer (May-June) as military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders hit the market, potentially increasing inventory. However, buying in Q4 2026 may offer leverage if interest rates stabilize.