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Temple, TX

Frequently asked questions

Temple, TX

Temple is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. As of 2020, the city has a population of 82,073 according to the U.S. Census and is one of the two principal cities in Bell County. Located near the county seat of Belton, Temple lies in the region referred to as Central Texas and is a principal city in the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood metropolitan area, which as of the 2020 Census had a population of 475,367. Located off Interstate 35, Temple is 65 miles north of Austin, 34 miles south of Waco, and 27 miles east of Killeen. 

The primary economic drivers are the extensive medical community (mostly due to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple) and goods distribution based on its central location between the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston metropolitan areas, and proximity to larger neighbors Austin and Waco.

Temple is located northeast of the center of Bell County at 31°6′30″N 97°23′21″W (31.108381, −97.389125). It is the second-largest city in Bell County. It is bordered to the southwest, on the opposite side of the Leon River, by Belton, the county seat. 

Temple is situated within a relatively short drive of most of the major cities of Texas: 124 mi north to Fort Worth, 130 mi north-northeast to Dallas, 65 mi southwest to Austin, 147 mi southwest to San Antonio, and 168 mi southeast to Houston. The city is located right on Interstate 35, running alongside the Balcones Fault with very varied geography. Towards the east lies the Blackland Prairie region (a rich farming area), and towards the west, the terrain rises with low, rolling, limestone-layered hills at the northeastern tip of the Texas Hill Country. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 74.9 square miles (194 km²), of which 70.1 square miles (182 km²) are land and 4.8 square miles (12 km²) are covered by water.

Temple is known as a regional medical center, with four major hospitals: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, and McLane Children's Specialty Clinic. Baylor Scott & White Health is the largest employer in town with over 11,000 employees.

The health and wellness scene in Temple reflects the city's dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Scott & White Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare systems in Texas, plays a significant role in Temple's healthcare infrastructure. The Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple stands as a testament to the city's commitment to providing top-notch medical services. Temple's recreational spaces, including Miller Springs Nature Center and the Lions Junction Family Water Park, offer opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Crunch Fitness.

Top sites in Temple, TX are Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, Lions Junction Family Water Park, West Temple Community Park, and Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center.

Population: 96,267 (2024). ZIP codes: 76501–76505, 76508. Area code 254. Elevation: 719 ft (219 m). Area: 76.01 sq mi (196.85 km²).

FAQs

Why is Temple, Texas famous?

The city is known as one of the leading medical centers in the Southwest, and includes the Baylor Scott and White Hospital and Clinic, Olin E. Teague Veterans Center (V.A. Hospital), and McLane Children’s Hospital. The city has grown steadily due to its diverse economy. New businesses are continuing to call Temple and its downtown district home. Venues such as the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, Moody Depot, and Czech Heritage Museum remind visitors and locals of the heritage and rich history of this railroad town with big dreams.

Is Temple, TX a good city to live in?

The heart of Central Texas offers the perfect compromise between a diverse and welcoming family-friendly community and the hustle of a big city. For residents looking to leave behind the frustrations, traffic congestion and higher costs of nearby metros Austin and Dallas, living in Temple, TX offers more bang for your buck. Living in Temple, TX comes with lower costs for everything from housing to groceries, combined with excellent schools, parks and perks for residents, strike a balance between affordability and livability. And it’s only getting better.

Is it expensive to live in Temple, Texas?

Temple, Texas's cost of living is 7% lower than the national average. Temple's housing expenses are 10% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 15% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 7% lower than the national average. Temple has grocery prices that are 17% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Temple is 23% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Temple

Scott & White Healthcare

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple 

Miller Springs Nature Center 

Lions Junction Family Water Park

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness 

Crunch Fitness

Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

Lions Junction Family Water Park

West Temple Community Park

Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center

Discover Temple

Temple EDC

Payscale

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.