Killeen is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 US Census, the city’s population was 151,666, making it the 21st most populous city in Texas. Killeen is located directly adjacent to the main cantonment of Fort Hood, and as such its economy and population are heavily influenced by the military post.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Killeen, it is the 21st most populous city in Texas. The city’s population was 127,921 at the 2010 census but increased rapidly to 151,666 in 2020. This growth is likely due to the expansion of Fort Hood and its active duty personnel. Killeen has also seen rapid growth in recent decades due to its location along the I-35 corridor between Austin and Waco.
Economy and Major Employers
As mentioned, the economy of Killeen is heavily tied to nearby Fort Hood. According to the City of Killeen’s website, the top employers in the city are:
- Fort Hood with over 50,000 military personnel
- Killeen Independent School District with over 8,000 employees
- Seton Medical Center with over 2,000 employees
- City of Killeen with over 1,300 employees
- Metroplex Adventist Hospital with over 1,000 employees
Other major industries and employers in Killeen include healthcare, education, construction, professional services, and retail trade. The city’s central location and connection to Fort Hood make it an attractive location for businesses, although the economy remains quite dependent on the military installation.
Attractions and Landmarks
Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Killeen include:
- Bell County Expo Center – A large multi-purpose event facility hosting conventions, trade shows, and other major events.
- Killeen Civic and Conference Center – Includes a 2,100 seat performance hall, meeting rooms, and exhibit space.
- Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area – Provides outdoor recreation including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and more.
- Vive Les Arts Theatre – Killeen’s restored historic theater dating back to 1942.
Killeen also has a good variety of parks, golf courses, shopping centers, and other attractions for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Sports
When it comes to sports, Killeen is home to the: Killeen Soccer Association, which offers youth soccer leagues and teams. Many residents are also fans of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Texas Rangers professional teams from the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Tourism
Killeen sees many visitors each year who come for the attractions like those mentioned above. The city’s website has a full tourism and visitor’s guide for those looking to explore the area. Some nearby attractions popular with tourists include the Texas Rangers Heritage Center, Dinosaur Valley State Park, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Killeen is a fast-growing city in Central Texas that is heavily economically tied to Fort Hood. While the military base dominates the local economy, Killeen does offer a variety of attractions, landmarks, and amenities for visitors and residents. The city will likely continue expanding as Fort Hood grows and more people discover this part of the I-35 corridor between Austin and Waco.