Small Town Life Within Reach of Central Texas Jobs

Troy is a Bell County town of approximately 5,448 residents with a median home value of $229,700 and median household income of $85,480 according to Census Bureau data. The town is served entirely by Troy ISD, and property tax rates support a school district that educates children from elementary through high school on local campuses. Bell County's economy is anchored by healthcare and social assistance employers with average pay of $95,040, along with substantial retail and manufacturing sectors. With a homeownership rate of 66% and only one registered HOA, Troy offers a predominantly single-family residential character within commuting distance of Temple and Killeen job centers.

History

The Shiloh Cemetery historical marker commemorates a burial ground established in the 1850s by early settlers, anchoring Troy's history to the wave of homesteading that shaped Bell County. This continuity of place remains visible in the town's church-centered community life and long-term family ties.

ZIP Codes Compared

Troy's housing stock is concentrated in a single ZIP code area, with most properties falling into the single-family home category priced around the $229,700 median. The lack of significant ZIP code variation reflects the town's small geographic footprint and relatively uniform residential character.

Demographics

Troy's population skews toward established families, with a median age of 39.2 and a homeownership rate of 66%. The community is 64.3% White and 23.1% Hispanic, with 22.9% of adults holding bachelor's degrees, reflecting a working- and middle-class base that values stability and school quality.

Economy

Bell County's largest employment sector is healthcare and social assistance with over 20,994 employees earning an average of $95,040 annually, followed by retail trade and accommodation services. Troy residents typically commute to these county employers, with construction and manufacturing also offering solid wages for skilled workers.

Schools

Troy ISD operates the town's single school district, with campuses including Troy Elementary, Mays Elementary, Raymond Mays Middle School, Troy Middle School, and Troy High School. The district serves families who prioritize keeping their children in a smaller, cohesive system from kindergarten through graduation.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $229,700 and median rent of $1,282 per month according to Census Bureau estimates, Troy offers more affordable housing than many Central Texas markets. The town's cost structure suits families seeking homeownership on middle-class incomes without sacrificing proximity to regional employers.

Homeowners Associations

Troy has only one registered homeowners association, meaning the vast majority of residential properties operate without HOA oversight or fees. This appeals to buyers who want autonomy over their property and prefer minimal restrictions on home modifications and landscaping.

About Troy

Troy sits along Highway 317 in northern Bell County, a town of roughly 5,400 people where the pace of daily life centers on Troy ISD schools and the handful of local businesses that serve as community anchors. Trojan Park hosts youth sports leagues and weekend gatherings, while the Pizza Pit and McDonald's handle weeknight dinners when families aren't cooking at home. Grace Chapel Missionary Church, Troy Church of Christ, Troy First Assembly of God Church, and Troy First Baptist Church draw Sunday crowds, and Fitness 4:13 offers one of the few dedicated workout spaces in town.

The Shiloh Cemetery historical marker tells the story of a burial ground established in the 1850s by early settlers, a reminder that Troy's roots reach back to the days when this land was still being carved into homesteads and church communities. Those founding families built something that has endured, and today's residents tend to be people who value that continuity—homeowners who want good schools without the density and traffic of Temple or Killeen, families who prefer knowing their neighbors' names and seeing familiar faces at Dollar General or the Pit Stop convenience store.

With a median household income of $85,480 according to Census Bureau estimates and a median home value of $229,700, Troy attracts working families who commute to Bell County's healthcare and manufacturing employers while enjoying the breathing room of a smaller town. The homeownership rate of 66% reflects a community where putting down roots is the norm, and the presence of Troy Elementary School, Mays Elementary School, Raymond Mays Middle School, Troy Middle School, and Troy High School means children can progress through their entire education without leaving the district. Daily errands are straightforward—Chevron and Love's for fuel, Subway for a quick lunch, All American Diesel and Tire for vehicle work—and the simplicity is part of the appeal for people who've had enough of big-city complexity.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4873748

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

73748

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

2,437

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

12 km²

County

Bell

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Troy

Is Troy a good place to live?

Troy works well for families and individuals who want the simplicity of small-town life without completely disconnecting from Central Texas job markets. With a median household income of $85,480 according to Census Bureau estimates and a homeownership rate of 66%, the town attracts working families who value stability and school continuity. Troy ISD operates all local campuses, meaning children can progress from Troy Elementary or Mays Elementary through Raymond Mays Middle School, Troy Middle School, and Troy High School without changing districts. Daily life revolves around a handful of essential businesses—Chevron and Love's for fuel, Dollar General for household basics, McDonald's and Pizza Pit for quick meals—and the community's four churches provide social anchors beyond school events. The town's single registered HOA means most homeowners enjoy property autonomy, and the median home value of $229,700 makes ownership accessible for middle-income earners. Troy suits people who prefer knowing their neighbors and don't mind a commute to Temple or Killeen for work and more extensive shopping.

What is the cost of living in Troy?

Troy's cost of living centers on a median home value of $229,700 and median rent of $1,282 per month according to Census Bureau data, making it one of the more affordable options in Bell County for families seeking homeownership. Property taxes fund Troy ISD and local services, though specific combined rates vary by property. Everyday expenses remain modest—groceries at Dollar General, fuel at Chevron or Love's, and meals at locally owned spots like Pizza Pit keep routine costs manageable. The town lacks extensive retail and dining options, so residents often drive to Temple for major shopping trips, adding transportation costs but preserving the lower housing expenses that make Troy attractive. With a median household income of $85,480, most families find that the town's affordability allows them to own homes and build equity while commuting to Bell County's healthcare, manufacturing, and retail employers. The absence of HOA fees for most properties further reduces monthly obligations, and the straightforward, no-frills character of local services means you're not paying for amenities you don't use.

How are the schools in Troy?

Troy ISD operates all schools within the town, including Troy Elementary School, Mays Elementary School, Raymond Mays Middle School, Troy Middle School, and Troy High School, creating a unified educational path from kindergarten through graduation. This single-district structure means families can stay rooted in one system, with teachers and administrators who often know students across multiple grade levels. The district's smaller scale allows for closer parent-teacher relationships and the kind of continuity that larger districts struggle to maintain. While specific Texas Education Agency accountability ratings fluctuate year to year, Troy ISD's appeal lies more in its cohesive community feel than in competitive test scores or specialized programs. Families who choose Troy schools tend to prioritize stability, local involvement, and the ability to keep their children in a familiar environment rather than chasing magnet programs or advanced coursework. The presence of five campuses serving a population of roughly 5,400 means class sizes remain manageable, and extracurricular activities center on traditional sports and clubs at Trojan Park and school facilities. For parents who value a straightforward, community-oriented education over urban district options, Troy ISD delivers consistency.

Is Troy good for families?

Troy's appeal to families rests on its school continuity, affordable homeownership, and the kind of small-town predictability that allows children to grow up knowing their classmates and neighbors. With a median home value of $229,700 and a homeownership rate of 66% according to Census Bureau estimates, families can buy single-family homes on middle-class incomes and settle in for the long term. Troy ISD operates five campuses within the town, meaning children can attend Troy Elementary or Mays Elementary, progress through Raymond Mays Middle School and Troy Middle School, and graduate from Troy High School without ever leaving the district. Trojan Park hosts youth sports leagues and community events, and the town's four churches—Grace Chapel Missionary Church, Troy Church of Christ, Troy First Assembly of God, and Troy First Baptist Church—provide social networks and family programming. Daily life is straightforward: errands at Dollar General, quick meals at McDonald's or Pizza Pit, and fuel stops at Chevron or Love's. The trade-off is limited entertainment and dining variety, so families often drive to Temple for weekend outings. Troy works best for parents who want their kids to experience a slower pace and tighter community bonds, even if it means fewer extracurricular options and a commute to work.

Find Your Place in Troy

Whether you're drawn to Troy's small-town schools or looking for affordable homeownership within reach of Bell County jobs, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the market. We'll walk you through available properties, school zone details, and what to expect in this tight-knit community.