City Report · TX

Killeen

Pop. 158,159·247th most expensive in Texas·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,254/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.9%
Month-over-Month
+1.2%
vs US Median
-$711
Rising (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Killeen rents
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Killeen · $1,254
More affordable than 90% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
72/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% below what Killeen's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,254/mo
Expected by trend
$1,411/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Killeen's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$920
1 BR
$928
2 BR
$1,168
3 BR
$1,628
4 BR+
$1,965
Research median
$1,168/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$15,048/yr
At $1,254/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.9% YoY, +1.2% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Killeen, TX is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 21.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
158,159
Median income
$60,977
Median age
30.3
Renters
50.5%
Age distribution
29.3%
28.9%
25.1%
Under 1829.3%
18–3428.9%
35–5425.1%
55–648.3%
65+8.4%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
31.9%
38%
27.2%
White31.9%
Black38%
Hispanic27.2%
Asian4.1%
Education (25+)
28.1%
42%
21.9%
No HS diploma7.9%
HS diploma28.1%
Some college42%
Bachelor's+21.9%
Housing tenure
49.5%
50.5%
Owner49.5%
Renter50.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Killeen, TX has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,010 → $1,254
up 24.2%
Income
$52,072 → $60,977
up 17.1%
Population
150,082 → 158,159
up 5.4%
Renter share
55% → 50.5%
-4.5 pts
Bachelor's+
21.6% → 21.9%
+0.3 pts
Median age
29.6 → 30.3
+0.7 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Killeen, TX has climbed from $1,010 to $1,254, a 24.2% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Killeen, TX now reports about $60,977, up from $52,072 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 5.4% since 2021, moving from about 150,082 residents to roughly 158,159. Renters now make up 50.5% of households, compared with 55% five years ago. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Killeen, TX reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Killeen

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Killeen rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Killeen on your salary?

At $1,254/mo, how Killeen rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Killeen rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Killeen. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Killeen

About renting in Killeen, TX

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Killeen is $1,254/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $920/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,168/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $928/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,628/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($60,977/yr), Killeen ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Killeen an affordable city for renters?

Killeen is considered affordable for renters. At $1,254/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($60,977/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Killeen falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Killeen?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $50,000/year (~$24/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,254/mo in Killeen. The local median household income is $60,977/yr, meaning the typical Killeen household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Killeen?

Rent in Killeen has decreased 2.9% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Killeen neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Killeen are 76541 ($901/mo), 76543 ($1,174/mo), and 76549 ($1,334/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Killeen is $1,254/mo.

How does Killeen rent compare to other cities in Texas?

Killeen is one of the more affordable cities in Texas for rent, ranking #247 out of 269 tracked cities at $1,254/mo.

What percentage of Killeen residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 50.5% of Killeen households are renters, while 49.5% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Killeen has a strong rental market.

How does Killeen rent compare to the national average?

Killeen's median rent of $1,254/mo is $711 (36%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Texas, it ranks #247 out of 269 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,254/mo, rent takes ~25% of Killeen's median household income ($60,977/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Killeen 25%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Killeen affordability calculator →
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Killeen, TX

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Killeen.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.