Bell
Texas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Bell County is unusual in three ways: homeownership is in the bottom 3% of American counties (55%), the average temperature is in the top 6% of American counties (69°F), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 7% of American counties (93 of 100). Within Texas it ranks 8th of 254 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Bell County, Texas. 372,821 people live here with you. The population grew 1.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,337).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $62,858 a year, higher than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $62,107. Unemployment runs 4.4%, higher than 80% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Texas has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $253K, pricier than 57% of American counties, about 2.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $994 a month. Property tax is 1.62% of home value, roughly $3,186 a year on that median home, higher than 90% of American counties. 55% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 56% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.0 years, longer than 53% of American counties. There are 1,788 active physicians in the county, about 48.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 15.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.91 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 53% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 12 points. 52% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 69°F, highs near 80 and lows near 58, warmer than 94% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 93 out of 100, riskier than 93% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 278 Mbps down, faster than 88% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 4 museums.