Bell County, Texas, boasts a diverse and vibrant community of more than 370,000 residents. This area is renowned for housing Fort Hood, one of the world’s largest military bases, as well as a range of cities and towns that provide a wide array of attractions and services.
Nonetheless, safety levels can vary within Bell County. As per crime data sourced from SpotCrime and CrimeGrade, certain neighborhoods experience higher incidences of violent and property-related offenses. Presented below are the top five neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Bell County, Texas, based on these statistical insights:
Killeen
Killeen, located in Bell County, boasts a population exceeding 150,000, making it the largest city in the county. It’s also notably diverse, with a substantial representation of African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities. The city is renowned for its robust military presence, home to Fort Hood and various other military installations.
However, it’s worth noting that Killeen faces a significant crime challenge, particularly in the northwest quadrant. In 2023, there were 3,675 reported crimes in Killeen, encompassing 1,026 violent offenses and 2,649 property incidents, according to SpotCrime. The crime rate per 1,000 residents stood at 24.5, surpassing the national average of 22.0.
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Temple
Temple, located in Bell County, is the second-largest city with a population exceeding 78,000. It serves as a significant healthcare center, boasting numerous hospitals and medical facilities. Additionally, Temple provides a range of recreational options like golf, hiking, and fishing.
However, it’s worth noting that Temple grapples with a relatively high crime rate, particularly in the northeastern part of the city. In 2023, there were 659 reported crimes in Temple, comprising 157 violent crimes and 502 property crimes. The crime rate per 1,000 residents stood at 8.4, which is lower than the national average but higher than the county’s average of 6.7.
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Belton
Belton, situated in Bell County, serves as the county seat and is home to over 22,000 residents. It’s a hub of history and culture, featuring the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, along with numerous museums and notable landmarks. Additionally, Belton boasts picturesque parks and an appealing downtown area.
However, it’s important to note that Belton faces a relatively high crime rate, particularly in the southeastern part of the city. According to SpotCrime, in 2023, Belton experienced 314 reported crimes, which encompassed 67 violent crimes and 247 property crimes. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was 14.2, surpassing both national and county averages.
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Nolanville
Nolanville, situated in Bell County, is a small town with a population exceeding 5,000. It embodies a tranquil rural community that provides convenient proximity to neighboring cities and amenities.
The town boasts amicable residents and engaging community gatherings. However, it is noteworthy that Nolanville experiences a notable incidence of crime, particularly in its central area.
In 2023, as per SpotCrime data, Nolanville documented 63 reported incidents, encompassing 15 instances of violent crime and 48 cases of property-related offenses. This translates to a crime rate of 12.6 per 1,000 residents, surpassing both the national and county averages.
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Harker Heights
Harker Heights, located in Bell County, is a welcoming city for families, boasting a population of over 31,000 residents. It features top-notch schools, picturesque parks, and a diverse range of shopping and dining establishments. The community spirit and active civic participation are also notable aspects of this city.
However, it’s important to note that Harker Heights experiences the highest crime rate in Bell County, particularly in the southwest area.
As reported by SpotCrime in 2023, there were a total of 1,038 reported crimes, comprising 224 violent crimes and 814 property crimes. This results in a crime rate of 33.4 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county average and considerably higher than the national average of 22.0.
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Final Words
Here are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Bell County, Texas, as indicated by crime statistics from SpotCrime and CrimeGrade.
However, it’s crucial to note that crime rates can fluctuate based on factors like the time of day, season, and other variables. Hence, it’s always wise to exercise caution and use common sense when either residing in or visiting any area.
Furthermore, certain neighborhoods might exhibit lower crime rates but could be prone to other risks like natural disasters, traffic incidents, or environmental concerns. Therefore, it’s vital to weigh all aspects of safety and security when deciding on a place to live or visit.
