CountyScore

Bell County

Texas · TX

#225 in Texas
55.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Bell County, Texas

Bell County outperforms national average

Bell's composite score of 59.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 19%, placing it in the better-half of U.S. counties for livability. This advantage reflects moderate affordability and tax efficiency, though not exceptional in either dimension.

Slightly below Texas state performance

Bell's score of 59.4 trails the Texas state average of 66.8, indicating it performs modestly below comparable state counties. This gap suggests Bell offers average value relative to other Texas options.

Balanced approach to taxes and housing

Bell's tax score of 58.9 (effective rate 1.542%) and cost score of 67.9 deliver moderate affordability without extremes. Median home values of $221,100 and rent at $1,168 monthly represent middle-ground options for families seeking neither luxury nor extreme bargains.

Income growth lags; data gaps remain

Bell's income score of 26.5 with median household income of $66,051 suggests limited wage momentum compared to peer counties. Safety, health, education, and environmental data are incomplete, preventing a comprehensive livability assessment.

Practical choice for middle-income families

Bell County suits families with moderate incomes who seek balance between affordability, taxes, and urban-adjacent living. If you value practicality over special advantages and appreciate Fort Hood's economic stability, Bell offers straightforward, serviceable livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax58.9Cost67.9SafetyComing SoonHealth60.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.5Risk8.9WaterComing Soon
🏛58.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡8.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McLennan County
Texas
55.5
Median income: $63,888
McKinley County
New Mexico
55.6
Median income: $44,496
Cattaraugus County
New York
55.6
Median income: $58,248
Ellis County
Texas
55.6
Median income: $95,898
Kleberg County
Texas
55.4
Median income: $57,612

Deep Dives

Bell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bell County

via TaxByCounty

Bell County taxes rank high nationally

Bell County's effective tax rate of 1.542% places it in the 75th percentile nationally, well above the U.S. median of 1.276%. Median property taxes of $3,409 run 27% higher than the national median of $2,690, despite home values near the national average.

Highest rate in this Texas sample

Bell County's effective rate of 1.542% is the highest among these eight Texas counties, exceeding the state average of 1.276% by nearly 21%. Its median tax of $3,409 surpasses the state median of $2,193, signaling aggressive assessment and school funding demands.

Steeper than most central Texas

Bell County's 1.542% rate exceeds comparable central Texas counties including Bastrop (1.513%), Bexar (1.814%), and Blanco (1.043%). Though its median home value of $221,100 is modest, the tax bite is substantial relative to property worth.

Over $3,400 on median home

A median home valued at $221,100 in Bell County generates an estimated annual tax of $3,409. With a mortgage, that reaches $3,892; without one, it is $2,558.

Appeal today—Bell rates are steep

Bell County's high effective rate makes the county especially aggressive in assessment. Homeowners should immediately request a property tax appraisal review; overassessments of 15% or more are common and correctable through the appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bell County

via CostByCounty

Bell County stretches housing budgets

Bell County renters spend 21.2% of income on housing, significantly above Texas's state average of 18.1% and approaching national crisis levels. With a median income of $66,051, residents allocate over $1,168 monthly just for rent.

Upper third for affordability burden

Bell County ranks among the more expensive Texas counties relative to local incomes, reflecting its position as a military and manufacturing hub. The county's role as home to Fort Hood drives demand and costs upward.

Pricier than rural alternatives

Bell County's median rent of $1,168 exceeds surrounding rural counties like Coryell and Milam by 20-30%. Home values of $221,100 reflect military-driven demand and proximity to Central Texas growth corridors.

Military presence drives costs up

Bell County's median income of $66,051 is stretched by rents of $1,168 and ownership costs of $1,262 monthly. Housing consumes over 21% of income, leaving constrained budgets for families without dual high incomes.

Military families weigh options carefully

Bell County's housing crisis reflects Fort Hood's gravitational pull on the local market. If you're military-connected or seeking affordable Central Texas living, compare these numbers against neighboring Coryell or McLennan counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bell County

via IncomeByCounty

Bell County income near national average

At $66,051, Bell County's median household income sits within striking distance of the national median of $74,755, trailing by about $8,700 or 12%. The county ranks solidly in the national middle class, reflecting stable earning power.

Just above Texas state average

Bell County's median household income of $66,051 exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $1,300 annually. While the margin is modest, it places the county in the upper half of Texas counties by this measure.

Stable middle-income county position

Bell County's $66,051 median household income falls between lower-income Bee County ($56,075) and higher-income Bastrop County ($82,730). Its per capita income of $33,558 mirrors the Texas state average of $33,197, suggesting fairly typical income distribution patterns.

Housing costs approach uncomfortable levels

At 21.2%, Bell County's rent-to-income ratio indicates growing housing affordability pressure despite solid household incomes. Residents earning the median $66,051 annually pay roughly $1,165 monthly in rent, leaving tight margins for other essentials and savings.

Build wealth through housing equity strategies

Bell County's $221,100 median home value and $66,051 median household income create genuine homeownership opportunity for many residents. Prioritize down payment savings and mortgage pre-qualification to convert housing costs into equity building rather than pure rent expense.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Bell County

via HealthByCounty

Bell County exceeds U.S. health averages

Bell County's 75.5-year life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 73.5 years, and its 20.3% poor or fair health rate is slightly above the national average of 19.2%. Overall, residents enjoy slightly longer lifespans with manageable daily health challenges.

Bell outperforms most Texas counties

At 75.5 years, Bell County's life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by 1.2 years. Its 16.4% uninsured rate is well below the state average of 19.8%, indicating strong insurance penetration and healthcare access.

Robust provider networks across specialties

Bell County offers 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—comparable to Bexar County (74) and Blanco (42)—plus 279 mental health providers per 100K, the highest in the region. This dual strength supports both physical and behavioral health needs.

Strong coverage and comprehensive care infrastructure

With only 16.4% uninsured and robust primary care (72 per 100K) and mental health capacity (279 per 100K), Bell County residents have real access to comprehensive care. This combination of coverage and providers supports preventive care and early intervention.

Maintain access to Bell's strong care system

Bell County residents should review coverage annually to ensure uninterrupted access to the excellent primary care and mental health networks available locally. New residents should register immediately at Healthcare.gov to tap into these resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bell County

via RiskByCounty

Bell County Faces Notably Higher Risk

Bell County's composite risk score of 91.13 ranks as Relatively Moderate and places it in the upper tier of American counties by hazard exposure. This Central Texas location near Killeen-Fort Hood sits at the intersection of multiple disaster zones.

High-Risk County in Texas

Bell County's 91.13 score far exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Only a handful of Texas counties exceed its composite risk level.

One of Region's Riskiest Counties

Bell County's 91.13 score approaches Bexar County (99.43) and significantly exceeds neighboring Williamson and Burnet counties. Its central location makes it a convergence zone for tornado activity and flash flooding.

Tornadoes and Floods Lead Threats

Tornado risk reaches 98.57 in Bell County—among the state's highest—paired with severe flood risk (89.15) and above-average wildfire exposure (89.66). This triple hazard creates exceptional vulnerability across multiple seasons.

Secure All Three Coverage Types

Bell County homeowners must carry separate flood insurance, robust wind/hail protection for tornadoes, and comprehensive wildfire coverage. Your location demands above-standard policy limits and regular policy reviews for adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.