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Bellmead, Texas

Bellmead is a city in McLennan County and a part of the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located north of East Waco and was incorporated in 1954.

Overview

  • Population: Approximately 10,509 residents (2020 census); estimated ~10,603–10,631 as of 2025, growing at ~0.23% annually.
  • Community Feel: Bellmead is an urban community with a diverse population and a strong retail presence along the I-35 corridor.

Key Characteristics

  • Demographics: The city is majority-minority, with the largest groups being Hispanic (49.1%), White (29.3%), and Black (14.6%) as of 2024 estimates. The median age is approximately 35.7 years.
  • Economy: The median household income is approximately $54,048 (2023 data). Approximately 22% of residents live below the poverty line.
  • Housing: The median value of owner-occupied housing units is approximately $155,100. About 60% of housing units are owner-occupied.
  • Education: Bellmead is primarily served by the La Vega Independent School District. For a detailed list, see the Bellmead Schools file.

Detailed Information

For more detailed information on neighborhoods, crime rates, and demographics, see the Bellmead Details file.

Economy and Major Employers

For a detailed overview of the economic landscape and major employers for Bellmead, see the Bellmead Major Employers file.

Amenities and Lifestyle

For a detailed list of events in Bellmead, see the Bellmead Events file.

  • Location: As a close suburb of Waco, Bellmead provides residents with access to the larger city's amenities and job market.
  • Transportation: The mean travel time to work for residents is about 23 minutes.

Kids & Family

Bellmead's primary local family park is Brame Park (3900 Parrish St) — reopened summer 2026 after a $405,000 renovation (TPWD-funded + city). The renovated park features a free splash pad (May–September, 8am–8pm), a new ADA-accessible playground including an accessible merry-go-round, shaded canopies over the splash pad, improved lighting, and native landscaping. Lion's Park hosts the city's Little League baseball program across five fields.

Bellmead residents are close to the East Waco Library branch, which runs Bubble Storytime every Monday at 10:30am — one of the most consistent free weekly family programs in the Waco library system.

Waco's full network of free and paid family activities — Cameron Park, all six city splash pads, the library summer reading program, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and Mayborn Museum — is 10–15 minutes away.

For a comprehensive metro-wide guide to kids activities, see the Kids & Family Guide.

Food and Dining

For a detailed list of notable restaurants in Bellmead, see the Bellmead Restaurants file.

Religious Community

For a detailed list of churches in Bellmead, see the Bellmead Churches file.

Healthcare

For hospitals, urgent care, and specialty care in the area, see the Healthcare Directory.

Traffic & Commute

For commute times to downtown Waco and I-35 updates, see the Traffic & Commute Guide.

June 2026 Updates

Updated June 2026 — Brame Park reopened; UTEM construction underway; vandalism during renovation noted.

  • Brame Park Reopened (pre-Summer 2026): The $405,000 renovation of Brame Park ($150K TPWD grant + ~$255K city funds) completed on schedule, reopening before summer 2026. New features include ADA-accessible playground equipment, an accessible merry-go-round, shaded canopies over the splash pad, and improved lighting for safety. Note: the park's bathrooms were vandalized during the closure — City Manager Yost Zakhary said the damage would not delay the renovation. Source: KXXV, City of Bellmead.

  • UTEM Facility Under Construction (500 Research Ave): The 25,000 sq ft UTEM facility on 13+ acres is under construction, on track for operations to begin December 2026. Source: PR Newswire.

Spring 2026 Updates

Updated May 2026 — New development, park improvements, and city leadership changes.

  • UTEM Groundbreaking (March 31, 2026): Utility Truck Equipment Manufacturing (UTEM) broke ground on a new 25,000 sq ft facility on 13+ acres in Bellmead, with operations targeted to begin December 2026. The project adds manufacturing employment to Bellmead's industrial base. Source: PR Newswire.

  • Brame Park Renovation (Began January 2026): Brame Park closed January 12, 2026 for a major renovation funded by a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) grant, bringing new and improved amenities to the community park.

  • New City Leadership: Jim Reed was appointed Director of Public Works (January 2026), bringing 46+ years of experience in transportation planning and infrastructure development. Dr. Bruce Flachsbart (Baylor University faculty) was appointed to City Council (Precinct 1) January 13, 2026, to fill an unexpired term through May 2027.

Sources