The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 76502 sells for about $250,559, or $165 per square foot.
Prices are down 2.2% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 71 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,450 a month.
This ZIP has no home sales of its own, so its market figures come from Temple, Texas (city-level). Population, rents, hazards, lending and amenities are this ZIP's own readings.
ZIP 76502 — Temple
The 76502 housing market is currently in a balanced state, with a median price of $277,367 reflecting a slight year-over-year adjustment. While inventory levels have increased, demand remains steady, supported by the region's strong healthcare-driven economy. Buyers currently hold moderate leverage, allowing for negotiation in a market that is transitioning from the rapid growth of previous years.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with access to major regional employers. It offers a balance of affordability and amenities, making it attractive to those looking for stable housing in a growing Central Texas community.
Median prices moved down 2.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 71 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
22% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 5.5% · poverty 12.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 76502, Bell County TX
Crime rates in the Temple area are generally consistent with regional averages for Central Texas, though specific neighborhood variations exist. Local law enforcement maintains active community outreach programs to address public safety concerns.
Schools serving the 76502 area are primarily part of the Temple Independent School District, which provides a range of educational programs and extracurricular activities. Performance ratings vary by campus, with several schools maintaining solid academic standing within the district.
The area is subject to standard Central Texas climate risks, including potential for severe thunderstorms, high winds, and occasional flash flooding. Property insurance premiums are influenced by these regional weather patterns and the proximity to flood-prone zones.
Economic momentum is driven by the healthcare, education, and logistics sectors, with major employers including Baylor Scott & White Health. Infrastructure development continues to support residential expansion, particularly along the I-35 corridor.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Texas) — Senior (65+) and Disabled Homestead Exemption and School Tax Ceiling: Grants an additional mandatory $10,000 exemption from ISD appraised value (Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100,000 - $10,000) and establishes an absolute statutory tax freeze (school tax ceiling): total ISD property taxes cannot exceed the dollar ceiling established in the… State (Texas) — General Residence Homestead Exemption and 10% Valuation Growth Cap: Imposes mandatory state-level valuation deductions and growth limitations on the qualifying homestead: (1) Mandates a $100,000 deduction from appraised value for independent school district (ISD) maintenance and operations/debt taxation: Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100… State (Texas) — Ad Valorem Real Property Taxation and Assessment Ratio: Mandates ad valorem appraisal of all real property at 100% of fair market value as of January 1 each tax year (Assessment Ratio = 1.00).
Residents typically rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with I-35 serving as the primary artery for travel toward employment hubs in Temple, Belton, and the broader Killeen-Temple metro area.
The area features access to local parks, community greenbelts, and proximity to Lake Belton for water-based recreation. Shopping and dining options are concentrated along major thoroughfares like S 31st St and the Temple Mall area.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand from families and professionals, with a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. Vacancy rates remain stable, though investors should monitor the influx of new multi-family supply.
The economy is anchored by the healthcare sector, particularly Baylor Scott & White Health, alongside education and manufacturing. The region benefits from its strategic location along the I-35 corridor, facilitating logistics and distribution industries.
The area is served by a network of state highways and local roads, with I-35 providing the primary north-south transit corridor. Public transit options are limited, necessitating reliance on private vehicles.
Development is focused on residential subdivisions and mixed-use commercial projects along the city's expanding periphery. Infrastructure improvements are ongoing to accommodate population growth.
The Bell County Appraisal District conducts annual property valuations to determine tax assessments, adhering to state-mandated appraisal standards.
Parcels in this ZIP are subject to various taxing jurisdictions, including the Temple ISD, Bell County, and potentially municipal utility districts or emergency services districts.
Property insurance markets in the region are sensitive to severe weather events, leading to moderate premium pressure. Homeowners are encouraged to maintain adequate coverage for wind and hail damage.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Regional shopping destination with various retail and dining options.
Major reservoir offering boating, fishing, and recreational parks.
Community park providing green space and recreational facilities.
Deterministic aggregate of 2 researched properties in this ZIP (latest reading each) — each property weighs one; per point, properties lacking the value are excluded. Property-level records (taxes, scores, permits) never roll individually.
No county-record distress flags across 3 researched properties on the ARED base layer. Key-figure check: median price diverges 53.2% from the nearest retained anchor (researched-property base layer) — beyond the 12.5% tolerance; an automated validation case is open and the value publishes pending its verdict. Validation: the flagged $277,367 could not be independently corroborated and was removed pending review (no prior-cycle value to revert to); the case is under review in the Command Center.