Cost of Living in Harker Heights, TX

Population 33,595 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

87
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Harker Heights cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $269,000, rents near $1,114 a month.

Located 5 miles east of Killeen, Harker Heights falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 37% higher than Killeen's $196,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 88
Rent 85

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Harker Heights

The median home value in Harker Heights is $269,000 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,114/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,685/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 77.6°F and lows of 57.2°F. Overall, Harker Heights has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$269,000
12% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$295,981
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,114/mo
15% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,492/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 62.2%
Renter-occupied 37.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,114
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,728/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
25.6 min
5% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.6%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
0.4%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
9.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$82,685
11% above avg
Per Capita Income
$37,135
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
2% below avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Labor Force Participation
68.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.0%
Graduate degree 11.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35
Male median age 35.3
Female median age 34.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.6°F
Avg Low
57.2°F
Annual Precip
33"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 606371788491949588796861
Low °F 404350576471737368604941
Precip" 1.852.082.672.904.022.802.012.893.193.512.852.26

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
63.3%
Good air days/yr
133
Max AQI recorded
119
PM2.5 days
246
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Harker Heights, TX?

Harker Heights has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.

What is average rent in Harker Heights, TX?

The median gross rent in Harker Heights is $1,114 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Harker Heights?

The median home value in Harker Heights is $269,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Harker Heights?

The median household income in Harker Heights is $82,685 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Harker Heights, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Harker Heights is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Harker Heights, TX affordable?

Yes, Harker Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Harker Heights?

Harker Heights has average high temperatures of 77.6°F and average lows of 57.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Harker Heights at a Glance

Population
33,595
Median Income
$82,685
Home Value
$269,000
Median Rent
$1,114/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Avg High Temp
77.6°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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