Bell County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Texas
The population of Bell County, Texas is 379,811 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $66,051, the median home value is $221,100, and the median age is 32.1.
The population of Bell County has grown 27.7% since 2010 (312,886 → 399,578), a +1.76% annualized rate.
379,811
Population
+1.76%
Annual growth
360
People / sq mi
$66,051
Median Income
$221,100
Median Home Value
Bell County covers 1,054 sq mi of land at 360.4 people per square mile.
About Bell County, TX
Bell County skews on age — the median resident is 32.1, younger than the national median. With 379,811 residents, Bell County is a county in Texas. It ranks #15 among counties in Texas by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $66,051 — below the US median of $78,538. About 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $221,100, with typical rent around $1,168.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Bell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bell County had a population of 312,886 in 2010 and 399,578 in 2024, a 27.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 399,578 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.76%.
399,578
Population (2024)
312,886
Population (2010)
399,578
Peak (2024)
1.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 312,886 |
| 2011 | 315,915 |
| 2012 | 325,138 |
| 2013 | 327,254 |
| 2014 | 330,436 |
| 2015 | 336,434 |
| 2016 | 341,477 |
| 2017 | 347,683 |
| 2018 | 355,722 |
| 2019 | 363,693 |
| 2020 | 372,404 |
| 2021 | 380,611 |
| 2022 | 387,828 |
| 2023 | 394,065 |
| 2024 | 399,578 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.1% |
| Black or African American | 23.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
32.1
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
11.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 23.3% · Seniors (65+): 11.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,051$-10,241 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,878 |
| Per-capita income | $33,558 |
| Poverty rate | 11.3%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bell County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
23.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$221,100$-39,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,168
Median rent
56.2%
Homeownership rate
151,858
Total housing units
91.2%
Occupied
8.8%
Vacant
43.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.6%
With health insurance
95.6%
With broadband internet
39.6%
Foreign-born
19.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
80.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.0%
High School+
27.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Bell County, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Bell County, Texas has a population of 379,811 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 360 people per square mile.
The population of Bell County has grown 27.7% since 2010 (312,886 → 399,578), a +1.76% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bell County, Texas is $66,051, with mean (average) household income of $87,878 and per-capita income of $33,558. 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.1%), Black or African American (23.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bell County, Texas is 32.1 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Bell County is $221,100 and median monthly rent is $1,168. 56.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 151,858 total housing units, 8.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bell County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Bell County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.
Bell County, TX Climate
Bell County, TX has an average annual temperature of 19.3°C (67°F) and receives about 847 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
19.3°C
Avg Temp
847
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 47° | 47 mm |
| February | 11° / 52° | 66 mm |
| March | 15° / 59° | 60 mm |
| April | 19° / 67° | 77 mm |
| May | 23° / 74° | 113 mm |
| June | 27° / 80° | 87 mm |
| July | 29° / 84° | 42 mm |
| August | 29° / 84° | 51 mm |
| September | 26° / 78° | 94 mm |
| October | 20° / 68° | 87 mm |
| November | 14° / 57° | 67 mm |
| December | 10° / 49° | 56 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bell County, TX
The most comfortable months to visit Bell County, TX are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 35°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bell County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.