Killeen, Texas

Killeen, Texas is a city located in Central Texas, near the Fort Hood military base, and is part of the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is situated near the Brazos River and is close to other major cities such as Austin, Texas, Waco, Texas, and Dallas, Texas. Killeen is also near the Stillhouse Hollow Lake and the Belton Lake, which offer recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The city is home to the Killeen Independent School District and is served by the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport.

Geography

Killeen is located in Bell County, Texas, near the Coryell County, Texas border, and is situated in the Blackland Prairies region of Texas. The city is surrounded by other cities such as Harker Heights, Texas, Copperas Cove, Texas, and Belton, Texas. Killeen is also close to the Fort Hood military base, which is the largest United States Army base in the world and is home to the III Corps (United States), the 1st Cavalry Division (United States), and the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The city's geography is characterized by rolling hills, prairies, and lakes, including the Stillhouse Hollow Lake and the Belton Lake, which are popular spots for outdoor recreation and are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

History

The area that is now Killeen was originally inhabited by the Tonkawa and Comanche Native American tribes, who were later displaced by European-American settlers, including Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and James Bowie. The city was founded in 1881 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and was named after Frank P. Killeen, a railroad official. During World War II, the city experienced significant growth due to the establishment of Camp Hood, which was later renamed Fort Hood in 1950. The city continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with the establishment of the Killeen Independent School District, the Central Texas College, and the Texas A&M University-Central Texas. Killeen is also home to the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, which hosts various events and conferences, including the Killeen Food, Wine and Brew Festival.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Killeen has a population of over 153,000 people, with a diverse population that includes African Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. The city has a median household income of over $43,000 and a median home value of over $120,000. Killeen is also home to a large military population, with many residents employed at Fort Hood or other nearby military bases, including the Dyess Air Force Base and the Goodfellow Air Force Base. The city is served by the Killeen Police Department and the Killeen Fire Department, which provide public safety services to the community.

Economy

The economy of Killeen is driven by the military industry, with Fort Hood being the largest employer in the area. The city is also home to a growing technology industry, with companies such as Dell, IBM, and Lockheed Martin having a presence in the area. Killeen is also a major retail center, with several large shopping centers, including the Killeen Mall and the Market Heights Shopping Center. The city is served by the Killeen Chamber of Commerce, which promotes economic development and provides support to local businesses, including the Killeen Downtown Merchants Association.

Education

Killeen is served by the Killeen Independent School District, which operates several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools in the area. The city is also home to the Central Texas College, which offers associate's degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, health sciences, and technology. Killeen is also served by the Texas A&M University-Central Texas, which offers bachelor's degree and master's degree programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, education, and nursing. The city is also home to the Killeen Public Library, which provides access to a wide range of books, media, and online resources.

Infrastructure

Killeen is served by several major highways, including Interstate 14, U.S. Highway 190, and State Highway 195. The city is also served by the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, which offers commercial airline service to several major airports, including the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Killeen is also home to a public transportation system, which includes bus service provided by the HOP transit system. The city is also served by the Killeen Utility Department, which provides electricity, water, and wastewater services to the community, and is managed by the City of Killeen.