Detailed Information about Bellmead, TX¶

This document provides detailed information about Bellmead, Texas, including neighborhood information, crime rates, demographics, community information, and what the city is known for.

Neighborhood Information¶

Bellmead is a suburb of Waco, Texas, with a sparse suburban feel where most residents own their homes. The city offers a range of housing options, from small to medium-sized single-family homes to apartment complexes. The most desirable residential areas are generally considered to be in the central parts of the city, while more affordable housing is concentrated in the northwest regions.

The median home value in Bellmead is significantly lower than both the national and Texas state averages, making it a relatively affordable place to live. According to Niche.com, Bellmead receives an overall grade of B-, with a B- for public schools and a C- for crime and safety.

Crime Rates¶

Crime is an ongoing concern in Bellmead. The overall crime rate is approximately 35% higher than the national average (2024 FBI data), and rose 28% in 2024 compared to 2023. However, the longer-term trend is more positive — the Bellmead Police Department announced in April 2025 that crime has declined 25% since 2020, crediting proactive policing and community engagement programs.

Violent Crime: 41 incidents in 2024 — 387 per 100,000 residents (~1 in 258 chance); approximately 4.7% above the national average
Property Crime: 292 incidents in 2024 — 2,758 per 100,000 residents (~1 in 36 chance); approximately 41% above the national average
Motor Vehicle Theft: 43 incidents — 406 per 100,000 residents; one of the highest rates in the U.S. for a city this size

Sources: AreaVibes — Bellmead Crime | CrimeGrade.org — Bellmead | Bellmead PD Crime Reduction Announcement (FBI 2024 data, released September 2025)

Demographics¶

As of the 2020 census, the population of Bellmead was 10,509. The 2025 estimate is ~10,603–10,631, growing at approximately 0.23% annually. The city is ethnically diverse.

Racial Composition (2025 est.):
Hispanic or Latino: 49.1%
White (Non-Hispanic): 29.3%
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 14.6%
Median Age: The median age in Bellmead is approximately 35.7 years.
Income and Poverty: The median household income is approximately $54,048 (2023 data), below the national and state averages. Approximately 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
Education: The level of educational attainment in Bellmead is slightly below the national average.

Community Information¶

Bellmead offers a variety of community resources and amenities:

Parks and Recreation: The city's Parks and Recreation Division provides year-round recreational activities, community events, and outdoor experiences.
Civic Center: The Bellmead Civic Center is available for rent for various occasions.
GIS Platform: The city offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform that provides residents with access to valuable spatial information about community resources.
Education: The La Vega Independent School District serves the Bellmead area. The city is also in close proximity to higher education institutions such as Baylor University, Texas State Technical College Waco, and McLennan Community College.

What Bellmead is Known For¶

Bellmead's history and identity are shaped by several key factors:

Railroad History: The city's origins are closely tied to the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MKT) Railroad, which established major locomotive shops in the area in the 1920s.
Military Presence: Bellmead was home to the Waco Army Air Field, which later became James Connally Air Force Base.
Proximity to Waco: Its location next to Waco provides residents with easy access to the larger city's amenities and attractions.
Research and Innovation: The Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) is located on Bellmead's southern border, fostering a climate of new business and research.
Historic Businesses: Several local businesses have been honored with the Texas Treasure Business Award for their long-standing historical significance to the community.