Bell County, Texas
Encyclopedia
Bell County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Texas
. Bell County was founded in 1850. It is part of the Killeen
–Temple
–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area
. In 2000, the county's population was 237,974; in 2010 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that its population had reached 310,235. Its county seat
is Belton
. The center of population
of Texas is located in Bell County, in the town of Holland
. Bell is named for Peter Hansborough Bell
, the third governor of Texas.
, the county has a total area of 1088 square miles (2,817.9 km²), of which 1060 square miles (2,745.4 km²) is land and 28 square miles (72.5 km²) (2.59%) is water.
of 2000, there were 237,974 people, 85,507 households, and 61,992 families residing in the county. The population density
was 225 people per square mile (87/km²). There were 92,782 housing units at an average density of 88 per square mile (34/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 63.41% White
, 20.43% Black
or African American
, 0.72% Native American
, 2.56% Asian
, 0.48% Pacific Islander
, 8.54% from other races
, and 3.85% from two or more races. 16.68% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 13.3% were of German
, 9.7% American
, 6.7% Irish
and 5.9% English
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 85,507 households out of which 40.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.60% were married couples
living together, 12.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.50% were non-families. 22.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the county, the population was spread out with 28.90% under the age of 18, 13.40% from 18 to 24, 31.90% from 25 to 44, 17.00% from 45 to 64, and 8.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 100.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,872, and the median income for a family was $41,455. Males had a median income of $28,031 versus $22,364 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,219. About 9.70% of families and 12.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.30% of those under age 18 and 9.80% of those age 65 or over.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. Bell County was founded in 1850. It is part of the Killeen
Killeen, Texas
Killeen is a city in Bell County, Texas, The United States. The population was 86,911 at the 2000 census. As of 2009, Killeen had 119,510 people. In 2010 Killeen's population shot to 127,921...
–Temple
Temple, Texas
Temple is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. Located near the county seat of Belton, Temple lies in the region referred to as Central Texas. Located off Interstate 35, Temple is 65 miles north of Austin and 34 miles south of Waco. In the 2010 Census, Temple's population was 66,102, an...
–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area
Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood metropolitan area
The Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area is a metropolitan area in Central Texas that covers three counties - Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas...
. In 2000, the county's population was 237,974; in 2010 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that its population had reached 310,235. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Belton
Belton, Texas
Belton is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 14,623 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bell County.Belton is part of the Killeen – Temple – Fort Hood metropolitan area.-Geography:...
. The center of population
Center of population
In demographics, the center of population of a region is a geographical point that describes a centerpoint of the region's population...
of Texas is located in Bell County, in the town of Holland
Holland, Texas
Holland is a town in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,102 at the 2000 census, and had slightly increased to 1,138 by 2009. The center of population of Texas is located in Holland...
. Bell is named for Peter Hansborough Bell
Peter Hansborough Bell
Peter Hansborough Bell was an American military officer and politician who served as the third Governor of Texas and represented the state for two terms in the United States House of Representatives.-Background:Bell was born March 11, 1810 in Culpeper County, Virginia...
, the third governor of Texas.
History Timeline
- 1834-1835 Little River becomes part of Robertson's ColonyRobertson's ColonyRobertson's Colony was an empresario colonization effort during the Mexican Texas period. It is named after Sterling C. Robertson, but had previously been known by other names...
, settlers from Nashville, led by Sterling C. RobertsonSterling C. RobertsonSterling Clack Robertson was an empresario from Tennessee, during Mexican Texas. He introduced 600 families into Robertson's Colony. Robertson was also an elected delegate to the Washington-on-the-Brazos convention, signing both the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the...
: families of Captain Goldsby Childers, Robert Davison, John Fulcher, Moses Griffin, John Needham, Michael Reed, William Taylor, and Judge Orville T.Tyler. - 1836 The settlements are deserted during the Runaway Scrape, reoccupied, deserted again after the Elmwood Creek Blood Scrape, re-occupied again. Texas Ranger George Erath establishes a fort on Little River.
- 1843-44 Settlers return.
- 1845 University of Mary Hardin–Baylor founded by the Republic of TexasRepublic of TexasThe Republic of Texas was an independent nation in North America, bordering the United States and Mexico, that existed from 1836 to 1846.Formed as a break-away republic from Mexico by the Texas Revolution, the state claimed borders that encompassed an area that included all of the present U.S...
as “Baylor Female College”. - 1850 Bell County is formed and named for Texas Governor Peter Hansborough BellPeter Hansborough BellPeter Hansborough Bell was an American military officer and politician who served as the third Governor of Texas and represented the state for two terms in the United States House of Representatives.-Background:Bell was born March 11, 1810 in Culpeper County, Virginia...
. Population 600 whites – 60 black slaves. - 1851 County seat is BeltonBelton, TexasBelton is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 14,623 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bell County.Belton is part of the Killeen – Temple – Fort Hood metropolitan area.-Geography:...
. - 1859 Last serious Indian raid of the area.
- 1860 Re-survey of the line between Bell and Milam County. Bell County assumes its present boundaries.
- 1861 County votes for secession from the Union.
- 1862-1865 Union sympathizers and Confederate deserters hole up in"Camp Safety."
- 1867 Belton Women’s Commonwealth, the first women’s movement in Central Texas, is formed by Martha McWhirter. The group provides shelter to women in abusive relationships.
- 1875 Miriam A. FergusonMiriam A. FergusonMiriam Amanda Wallace "Ma" Ferguson was the first female Governor of Texas in 1925. She held office until 1927, later winning another term in 1933 and serving until 1935.-Early life:...
, first woman Governor of Texas, is born in Bell County. - 1881 Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe RailwayGulf, Colorado and Santa Fe RailwayThe Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway was a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in eastern Texas and to Purcell, Oklahoma.- Nineteenth Century :...
, the first railroad to be built in Bell County, establishes TempleTemple, TexasTemple is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. Located near the county seat of Belton, Temple lies in the region referred to as Central Texas. Located off Interstate 35, Temple is 65 miles north of Austin and 34 miles south of Waco. In the 2010 Census, Temple's population was 66,102, an...
as its headquarters - 1884 Current Bell County Courthouse is built. Renaissance Revival design is by architect Jasper N. Preston and Sons.
- 1905 The Belton and Temple Interurban electric railway is constructed,
- 1925 Miriam A. Ferguson is inaugurated as Governor.
- 1926 Temple CollegeTemple CollegeTemple College is a community college based in Temple, Texas, with regional branch campuses in other locations.As of 2007, residents within the tax-district of the city of Temple, Texas pay $67 per credit hour, whereas those outside the district pay $103 per credit hour...
opens. - 1933 Miriam A. Ferguson is inaugurated for her second, but non-consecutive, term as Governor.
- 1942 Fort Hood opens as a military training base.
- 1956 Killeen school board votes to integrate local high school.
- 1965 Central Texas College founded in KilleenKilleen, TexasKilleen is a city in Bell County, Texas, The United States. The population was 86,911 at the 2000 census. As of 2009, Killeen had 119,510 people. In 2010 Killeen's population shot to 127,921...
. - 1980 Killeen is the largest city in Bell County.
- 1991, October 16 - Luby's massacreLuby's massacreThe Luby's massacre was a mass murder that took place on October 16, 1991, in Killeen, Texas, United States when George Hennard ″Jo Jo" drove his pickup truck into a Luby's cafeteria and shot 23 people to death while wounding another 20, subsequently committing suicide by shooting himself...
- George Jo Hennard Jr. kills 23 people, wounds 20 others, kills himself. It's the largest mass murder by firearm in the United States up to that time. Hennard shouted "This is what Bell County did to me! This is payback day!" during the event. - 1995 As a result of the Luby’s massacre, Governor George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
signs new law requiring a permit for concealed weapons. - 2009, November 5 - Fort Hood shootingFort Hood shootingThe Fort Hood shooting was a mass shooting that took place on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, the most populous U.S. military installation in the world, located just outside Killeen, Texas. In the course of the shooting, a single gunman killed 13 people and wounded 29 others...
– Army Major Nidal Malik HasanNidal Malik HasanNidal Malik Hasan, USA is a United States Army officer and sole suspect in the November 5, 2009, Fort Hood shooting, which occurred less than a month before he would have deployed to Afghanistan....
kills 13 people, wounds 30.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 1088 square miles (2,817.9 km²), of which 1060 square miles (2,745.4 km²) is land and 28 square miles (72.5 km²) (2.59%) is water.
Major highways
Interstate 35
U.S. Highway 190
State Highway 36State Highway 36 (Texas)State Highway 36 runs from Abilene to Freeport. It was designated as The 36th Division Memorial Highway between Cameron and Sealy by the Texas Legislature in 1985.-History:...
State Highway 53State Highway 53 (Texas)State Highway 53 is a Texas state highway that runs from Temple to Rosebud.-History:SH 53 was designated by 1926 as a route from Dickens to Brownfield, replacing a portion of SH 18...
State Highway 95State Highway 95 (Texas)State Highway 95, or SH 95, runs from U.S. Highway 190 in Temple, Texas, south to U.S. Highway 77 in Yoakum. The route was designated in 1926 along a route from Temple to Elgin, absorbing SH 2F...
State Highway 195State Highway 195 (Texas)State Highway 195, or SH 195, is a state highway in the U.S. state of Texas that runs from FM 439 in Killeen, south to Interstate 35 in Georgetown. In Killeen it is known as Fort Hood Street; in Florence it is called Patterson Avenue...
Adjacent counties
- McLennan CountyMcLennan County, TexasMcLennan County is a county located on the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas. In 2000, its population was 213,517; in 2008 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated its population to be 230,213. Its seat is Waco. The county is named for Neil McLennan, an early settler....
(north) - Falls CountyFalls County, TexasFalls County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. In 2000, its population was 18,576. In 2003, the population of the county was estimated to be 17,926. It is named for the waterfalls on the Brazos River, which can be found at the Falls On The Brazos Park, a campsite located only a few...
(northeast) - Milam County (southeast)
- Williamson CountyWilliamson County, TexasWilliamson County is a county located on both the Edwards Plateau to the west, consisting of rocky terrain and hills, and Blackland Prairies in the east consising of rich, fertile farming land, The two areas are roughly bisected by Interstate 35...
(south) - Burnet CountyBurnet County, TexasBurnet County is a county located on the Edwards Plateau in the U.S. state of Texas. As of 2000, the population was 34,147. The 2008 Census Bureau Estimate was 44,488. Its county seat is Burnet. Burnet is named for David Gouverneur Burnet, the first president of the Republic of Texas...
(southwest) - Lampasas CountyLampasas County, TexasLampasas County is a county located on the Edwards Plateau in the U.S. state of Texas. In 2000, its population was 17,762. Its seat is Lampasas. The county is named for the Lampasas River....
(west) - Coryell CountyCoryell County, TexasCoryell County is a county located on the Edwards Plateau in the U.S. state of Texas. In 2000, its population was 74,978. The county seat is Gatesville. Coryell County forms part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area...
(northwest)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 237,974 people, 85,507 households, and 61,992 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 225 people per square mile (87/km²). There were 92,782 housing units at an average density of 88 per square mile (34/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 63.41% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 20.43% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.72% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.56% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.48% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 8.54% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.85% from two or more races. 16.68% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 13.3% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 9.7% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 6.7% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 5.9% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 85,507 households out of which 40.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.60% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.50% were non-families. 22.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the county, the population was spread out with 28.90% under the age of 18, 13.40% from 18 to 24, 31.90% from 25 to 44, 17.00% from 45 to 64, and 8.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 100.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,872, and the median income for a family was $41,455. Males had a median income of $28,031 versus $22,364 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,219. About 9.70% of families and 12.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.30% of those under age 18 and 9.80% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
|
Little River-Academy, Texas Little River-Academy is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,645 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:... Morgan's Point Resort, Texas Morgan's Point Resort is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,989 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area... Nolanville, Texas Nolanville is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,150 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:... Pendleton, Texas Pendleton is an unincorporated community in Bell County, Texas, United States. Although it is unincorporated, Pendleton has a post office, with the ZIP code of 76564.... (unincorporated) Prairie Dell, Texas Prairie Dell is an unincorporated community in Bell County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 12 in 2000.... (unincorporated) Rogers, Texas Rogers is a town in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,117 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area... Salado, Texas Salado is a village in Bell County, Texas, United States. Salado was first incorporated in 1867 for the sole purpose of building a bridge across the Salado Creek... Temple, Texas Temple is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. Located near the county seat of Belton, Temple lies in the region referred to as Central Texas. Located off Interstate 35, Temple is 65 miles north of Austin and 34 miles south of Waco. In the 2010 Census, Temple's population was 66,102, an... (second largest city) Troy, Texas Troy is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,378 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Troy is located at .... |
Education
Bell County is served by several school districts:- Academy Independent School DistrictAcademy Independent School DistrictAcademy Independent School District is a school district based in Little River-Academy, Texas .In addition to Little River-Academy, the district also serves the community of Heidenheimer....
- Bartlett Independent School DistrictBartlett Independent School DistrictBartlett Independent School District is a public school district based in Bartlett, Texas .Located in Bell County, portions of the district extend into Williamson and Bell counties....
(partial) - Belton Independent School DistrictBelton Independent School DistrictBelton Independent School District is a public school district based in Belton, Texas .In 2009, the school district was rated "academically acceptable" by the Texas Education Agency.-High Schools :*Belton High School...
- Bruceville-Eddy Independent School DistrictBruceville-Eddy Independent School DistrictBruceville-Eddy Independent School District is a public school district based in Bruceville-Eddy, Texas .Located in southern McLennan County, portions of the district extend into Falls and Bell counties....
(partial) - Copperas Cove Independent School DistrictCopperas Cove Independent School DistrictCopperas Cove Independent School District is a public school district based in Copperas Cove, Texas .Located in Coryell County, a small portion of the district extends into Bell County....
(partial) - Florence Independent School DistrictFlorence Independent School DistrictFlorence Independent School District is a public school district based in Florence, Texas .Located in Williamson County, a small portion of the district extends into Bell County....
(partial) - Gatesville Independent School DistrictGatesville Independent School DistrictGatesville Independent School District is a public school district based in Gatesville, Texas .In addition to Gatesville, the district serves the town of South Mountain as well as rural areas in central Coryell County...
(partial) - Holland Independent School DistrictHolland Independent School DistrictHolland Independent School District is a public school district based in Holland, Texas . Located in Bell County, a small portion of the district extends into Milam County.In 2009, the school district was rated "recognized" by the Texas Education Agency....
(partial) - Killeen Independent School DistrictKilleen Independent School DistrictKilleen Independent School District is a public school district based in Killeen, Texas .In addition to Killeen, the district serves the cities of Harker Heights and Nolanville as well as all students residing at Fort Hood...
(partial) - Lampasas Independent School DistrictLampasas Independent School DistrictLampasas Independent School District is a public school district based in Lampasas, Texas that serves about 3,350 students.In addition to Lampasas, the district also serves the city of Kempner and part of the Bend community...
(partial) - Moody Independent School DistrictMoody Independent School DistrictMoody Independent School District is a public school district based in Moody, Texas .Located in McLennan County, the district extends into portions of Coryell and Bell counties....
(partial) - Rogers Independent School DistrictRogers Independent School DistrictRogers Independent School District is a public school district based in Rogers, Texas .Located in Bell County, a small portion of the district extends into Milam County....
(partial) - Rosebud-Lott Independent School DistrictRosebud-Lott Independent School DistrictRosebud-Lott Independent School District is a consolidated public school district based in Travis, Texas . The school mascot is the Cougar.The district also serves the cities of Rosebud, Lott and Westphalia...
(partial) - Temple Independent School DistrictTemple Independent School DistrictTemple Independent School District is a public school district based in Temple, Texas .In 2009, the school district was rated "academically unacceptable" by the Texas Education Agency.-Elementary Schools :*Cater Elementary*Hector P...
- Troy Independent School DistrictTroy Independent School DistrictTroy Independent School District is a public school district based in Troy, Texas .Located in Bell County, the district extends into a small portion of Falls County...
- Salado Independent School DistrictSalado Independent School DistrictSalado Independent School District is a public school district based in Salado, Texas . It is located in Bell County mid-way between Austin and Waco on Interstate 35.In 2011, the school district was rated "Recognized" by the Texas Education Agency....
External links
- Bell County Home Page
- Bell County in Handbook of Texas Online at the University of TexasUniversity of Texas at AustinThe University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
. - Bell County Ex Confederate Association Ledger, From 1888 To 1920.
- Historic Bell County materials, hosted by the Portal to Texas History.
- Bell County Jail Information