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Quality of Life in Temple, TX
A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
8% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Temple, TX for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $19k | $35k |
| Comfortable | $43k | $63k |
| Luxury | $112k+ | $174k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $132k+ | $205k+ |
103%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
7 within 10 miles
Gas
20 within 10 miles
Hospital
7 within 20 miles
Airport
AUS — Austin-Bergstrom International
Post Office
USPS — Temple, TX
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Temple, Texas, offers a quality of life defined by its blend of small-town affordability and access to big-city amenities, attracting a diverse population of young families, military-connected households, and healthcare professionals. With a cost of living index of 92—well below the national average of 100—the city provides a financial cushion that is increasingly rare in the booming I-35 corridor. The median household income hovers around $55,000, supporting a stable, middle-class lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the higher-stress, higher-cost environments found in Austin or Dallas.
How housing costs and daily expenses compare to nearby cities
Temple’s housing market remains one of its strongest draws for newcomers. The median home value is $220,300, roughly half the median in nearby Round Rock ($450,000) and less than a third of Austin’s median ($650,000). Median rent sits at $1,174, making it feasible for renters to save for a down payment while still enjoying a comfortable apartment or rental home. Utility costs and grocery prices also track below state averages, though property taxes in Bell County are relatively high—around 2.5% of assessed value—which can offset some of the housing savings. Commuting is notably efficient: the average commute time is 21.5 minutes, significantly shorter than the Austin metro average of 28 minutes, allowing residents to spend more time at home or with family rather than in traffic.
What daily life is like for families and professionals
Daily life in Temple revolves around a strong sense of community and accessible amenities. The city is anchored by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, one of the largest healthcare employers in Central Texas, which draws a steady stream of medical professionals and supports a robust local economy. Families benefit from the Temple Independent School District, which includes several highly rated elementary schools like Thornton Elementary and Jefferson Elementary, as well as the well-regarded Lake Belton High School in nearby Belton. For recreation, residents frequent the Santa Fe Plaza downtown, which hosts a weekly farmers market and seasonal concerts, and the Lions Junction Family Water Park for summer relief. The city’s parks system, including the 200-acre Miller Springs Nature Center along the Leon River, offers hiking and birdwatching without the crowds of state parks. Retail and dining options have expanded in recent years, with chains like Target and H-E-P coexisting alongside local staples such as Bird Creek Burger Co. and Torchy’s Tacos. The presence of Temple College adds a modest cultural and educational layer, with community theater and continuing education classes.
Who thrives in Temple? The city is ideal for budget-conscious families who want a slower pace, good schools, and a short commute, as well as healthcare workers drawn by the dominant hospital system. Retirees on fixed incomes also find the low cost of living appealing, though those seeking a vibrant nightlife or high-end cultural offerings may feel limited. Military personnel from nearby Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) frequently settle here for the affordability and proximity to base. For anyone prioritizing financial breathing room and community connection over urban excitement, Temple delivers a grounded, practical quality of life.
Crime in Temple, TX
Lower crime rates than 99% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Temple, Texas, presents a notably low-crime profile compared to both state and national averages, with violent crime rates significantly below the norm. The city recorded a violent crime rate of just 9 incidents per 100,000 residents, while property crime stood at 62 per 100,000. These figures place Temple among the safer communities in Central Texas, though residents should remain aware of localized risks and the broader judicial environment in Bell County.
Crime in context
Temple’s violent crime rate of 9 per 100,000 is dramatically lower than the Texas state average of approximately 450 per 100,000 and the national average of roughly 380 per 100,000. Property crime in Temple, at 62 per 100,000, also falls well below the Texas average of about 2,500 per 100,000 and the national figure of around 1,950 per 100,000. These statistics indicate that Temple is an outlier for safety, with rates that are more typical of small, rural communities than a city of its size (population roughly 85,000). However, it is important to note that Bell County, which includes Temple, operates under a judicial system that has seen progressive influences in recent years. Progressive district attorneys and judges, while often sympathetic to offenders, can lead to reduced sentences and more criminals on the street, potentially undermining public safety and justice for victims. This judicial philosophy is a factor for residents to consider when evaluating long-term safety trends.
What residents experience
For daily life in Temple, the low crime numbers translate to a tangible sense of security. Residents commonly report feeling safe walking in downtown areas, using city parks, and leaving vehicles unlocked in residential neighborhoods. Property crime, while low overall, is the more common concern, with occasional reports of theft from vehicles and minor burglaries. The most frequent safety complaints involve non-violent incidents like package theft and vandalism, rather than armed robbery or assault. The Temple Police Department maintains a visible presence and has community policing initiatives, which contribute to the city’s reputation for safety. However, the progressive judicial trends in Bell County mean that even when arrests are made, the likelihood of meaningful consequences for offenders is diminished, which can be a source of frustration for victims and a concern for public safety advocates.
Neighborhood-level variation in crime is modest but exists. Areas near the downtown core and along major commercial corridors like I-35 and Adams Avenue see slightly higher property crime rates, while established residential neighborhoods such as those near Lake Belton or the Scott & White Medical Center campus are exceptionally safe. The southwestern and northern parts of Temple, including newer subdivisions, consistently report the lowest crime incidents. Prospective residents should consult local crime maps and consider visiting neighborhoods at different times of day, but overall, Temple offers a level of safety that is rare for a city of its size in Texas, provided one accounts for the potential impacts of the local justice system’s progressive leanings.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-05-16T22:51:33.000Z
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