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LIST | Killeen ranks among top 10 best places to live in Texas

December 7, 2024
6 News Digital (6News)

   

The study factored in quality of life, value, the city’s job market and desirability.

KILLEEN, Texas — Killeen, Texas, has earned recognition as one of the top 10 best places to live in the state, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. 

City officials announced the findings on social media on Friday, along with previous information about Killeen being the second fastest-growing city in the U.S.

Regarding best places to live in Texas, Killeen was featured prominently in the 2025-2026 list, securing the 10th spot. However, the city’s position shifted slightly from previous years, as it ranked 5th in Texas in 2019.

Below is the entire list of the Top 10 Best Places to Live in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report:

  1. Austin
  2. McAllen
  3. El Paso
  4. Corpus Christi
  5. Brownsville
  6. San Antonio
  7. Dallas
  8. Houston
  9. Beaumont
  10. Killeen

How Killeen was ranked

The U.S. News & World Report ranking for Killeen was based on an overall score of 6.0, which was derived from a combination of government data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as insights from the organization’s own research. The ranking considered four key factors:

  1. Quality of Life: Killeen scored 5.9 in this category, which evaluates crime rates, education quality, well-being, commuting times, and healthcare availability.

  2. Value: With a score of 7.3, Killeen ranked well for its affordability, factoring in housing costs and living expenses relative to other cities.

  3. Desirability: This category assessed Killeen’s weather, the number of establishments per capita, and migration trends. Overall, it helps measure how attractive the city is.

  4. Job Market: Killeen’s performance in this area was driven by a solid employment rate, lower unemployment and a growing median household income.

Other notable rankings for Killeen:

  • WalletHub: Killeen is recognized as one of 2025’s affordable college towns in the U.S.
  • GoBankingRates: Recognized as one of the most affordable and fastest-growing cities in the country
  • Veterans United: Ranked as a top 10 hotspot for Gen Z veterans and service member homebuyers

For a complete list of the rankings and further details, visit U.S. News & World Report’s full ranking.