Jump to content

Harker Heights, Texas: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 31°03′06″N 97°37′38″W / 31.05167°N 97.62722°W / 31.05167; -97.62722
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
(249 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
'''Harker Heights''' is a city in [[Bell County, Texas|Bell County]], [[Texas]], [[United States]]. The population was 17,308 at the 2000 census. Incorporated in 1960, the town name is derived from the name of one of the two original landowners and city founder, Harley Kern. The world famous Brendan O'Brien also lived here.
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Harker Heights, Texas
| official_name = City of Harker Heights
| settlement_type = [[City]]
| motto = The Bright Star of Central Texas
| image_skyline =
| imagesize =
| image_caption =
| image_flag = Flag of Harker Heights, Texas.svg
| image_seal = <!-- Maps -->
| image_map = TXMap-doton-HarkerHeights.PNG
| mapsize = 250px
| map_caption = Location of Harker Heights, Texas
| image_map1 = Bell HarkerHeights.svg
| mapsize1 = 250px
| map_caption1 =
<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{nowrap|{{flag|United States}}}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Texas}}
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Texas|County]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Bell County, Texas|Bell]]
<!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes =
| government_type =
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| established_title =
| established_date =
<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 = 40.55
| area_land_km2 = 40.43
| area_water_km2 = 0.12
| area_total_sq_mi = 15.66
| area_land_sq_mi = 15.61
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.05
<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 33097
| population_density_sq_mi = 2077.07
| population_density_km2 = 801.95
<!-- General information -->
| timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| utc_offset = -6
| timezone_DST = CDT
| utc_offset_DST = -5
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft = 817
| coordinates = {{coord|31|03|06|N|97|37|38|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code = 76542, 76543, 76548
| area_code = [[Area code 254|254]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info = 48-32312<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info = 2410701<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2410701}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|http://www.ci.harker-heights.tx.us/|ci.Harker-Heights.TX.us}}
| footnotes =
}}
'''Harker Heights''' is a city in [[Bell County, Texas|Bell County]], [[Texas]], United States. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], 33,097 people resided in the city,<ref name="Census 2020">{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US4832312| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212143039/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US4832312| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 12, 2020| title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2019 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Harker Heights city, Texas| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=April 10, 2014}}</ref> up from a population of 17,308 in [[2000 United States Census|2000]]. This makes Harker Heights the third-largest city in Bell County, after [[Killeen, Texas|Killeen]] and [[Temple, Texas|Temple]]. Incorporated in 1960, the city derives its name from one of the two original landowners and founder, Harley Kern. Harker Heights is part of the [[Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood metropolitan area]].


==History==
==History==
Harker Heights is located near [[Fort Hood]], a [[United States Army]] base that was designated a permanent military facility in 1950. As the base grew, the nearby town of [[Killeen, Texas|Killeen]] also grew. Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 was established on land near the Killeen city limits and the military base in 1955, and included the land owned by Pinckney R. Cox and Harley Kern. These two men subdivided their land in 1957 and began selling lots. By 1960, between 600 and 700 of the lots had been developed and new residents supplied with water and other utility services. Following a petition for an incorporation election, the town was established on [[September 24]], [[1960]] and Cox was elected mayor. Kern had died before the incorporation, and the Harker in Harker Heights was a concatenation of Harley Kern's name as a tribute to one of the original landowners.
Harker Heights is located near [[Fort Cavazos]], a major [[United States Army]] post that was designated a permanent military facility in 1950. As the post expanded, the surrounding civilian population increased. Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 was established on land near the Killeen city limits and the military post in 1955, and included the land owned by Pinckney R. Cox and Harley Kern, two hog farmers. These two men subdivided their land in 1957 and began selling lots. By 1960, between 600 and 700 of the lots had been developed and new residents supplied with water and other utility services. Following a petition for an incorporation election, the city was established on September 24, 1960, and Cox was elected mayor. Kern had died before the incorporation, and the Harker in Harker Heights was a concatenation of Harley Kern's name as a tribute to one of the original landowners. The town's boundaries expanded to include Forest Hills, Highland Oaks, and Comanche Hills. Cox, Sam Garth Jr., and Barney Sissom created GIASISCO Corporation, which was meant to help expand the town from {{convert|400|to|950|acre}}.<ref>ed. Limmer, E.A. Jr. (1988). "Story of Bell County, Texas: Volume I", p. 129-130. Eakin Press, Austin.</ref>

The only major expansion of the town occurred in December, 1988, when the city annexed the Comanche Hills Utility District, adding 3,500 people to the town population. Currently Harker Heights, which is a suburb of Killeen is starting to become more independent. On [[February 1]], [[2007]], ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new 675,000 square foot [[shopping center]]. It is the first up-scale shopping center in the area and includes a 16 screen [[movie theater]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
Harker Heights is bordered by the city of Killeen to the west and [[Nolanville, Texas|Nolanville]] to the east. The city limits extend south to hills overlooking [[Stillhouse Hollow Lake]] on the [[Lampasas River]].
[[Image:TXMap-doton-HarkerHeights.PNG|right|Location of Harker Heights, Texas]]
Harker Heights is located at {{coor dms|31|4|6|N|97|39|20|W|city}} (31.068459, -97.655524){{GR|1}}.


[[Interstate 14]]/[[U.S. Route 190#Texas|U.S. Highway 190]] is a four-lane freeway that passes through the city, connecting Killeen to the west with [[Interstate 35 in Texas|Interstate 35]] in [[Belton, Texas|Belton]] {{convert|12|mi}} to the east, at a point about halfway between [[Waco, Texas|Waco]] and [[Austin, Texas|Austin]].
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 33.0 [[km²]] (12.8 [[square mile|mi²]]), all land.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], Harker Heights has a total area of {{convert|39.4|km2|disp=flip}}, of which {{convert|0.1|sqkm|disp=flip|2}}, or 0.32%, is covered by water.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US4832312| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212200716/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US4832312| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 12, 2020| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Harker Heights city, Texas| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=April 10, 2014}}</ref>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{US Census population
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 17,308 people, 6,200 households, and 4,712 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 523.7/km² (1,356.4/mi²). There were 6,823 housing units at an average density of 206.5/km² (534.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 70.89% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 14.94% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.78% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 3.58% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.40% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 5.79% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.62% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 12.44% of the population.
|align=left
|1970= 4216
|1980= 7345
|1990= 12841
|2000= 17308
|2010= 26700
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|2020=33097}}


{| class="wikitable"
There were 6,200 households out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.13.
|+'''Harker Heights racial composition as of 2020'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4832312&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><br /> (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.<ref>https://www.census.gov/ {{nonspecific|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hispanic Population and its Origin |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |website=www.census.gov |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref>}}
!Race
!Number
!Percentage
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|13,715
|41.44%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|7,198
|21.75%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|132
|0.4%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|1,522
|4.6%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] (NH)
|412
|1.24%
|-
|Some Other Race (NH)
|202
|0.61%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed/multiracial]] (NH)
|2,557
|7.73%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]
|7,359
|22.23%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''33,097'''
|
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], 33,097 people, 11,067 households, and 8,082 families were residing in the city.


The population is heavily engaged in economic activities directly or indirectly related to the U.S. Army at nearby Fort Cavazos. The population density was {{convert|1,759.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The 10,347 housing units had 9,488 units occupied, and 859 units vacant. The racial makeup of the city was 62.9% White, 20.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 3.90% Asian, and 0.90% Pacific Islander; Hispanics or Latinos were 18.4% of the population.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Magg |first1=Oleg |title=Home Services and Lawn Care of Killeen |url=http://www.lawnmowingkilleen.com/ |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=www.lawnmowingkilleen.com}}</ref>
In the city the population was spread out with 30.4% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 34.8% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.


Of the 6,227 households, 42.8% had children under 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were not families. About 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.0% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.76, and the average family size was 3.13.
The median income for a household in the city was $42,947, and the median income for a family was $49,607. Males had a median income of $31,728 versus $26,404 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $20,061. About 7.4% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.


In the city, the population was distributed as 30.5% under 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 34.8% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 31.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.
==Education==
The City of Harker Heights is served by the [[Killeen Independent School District]]. The elementary schools are Bellaire, Brookhaven,
Cedar Valley, Clarke, Clear Creek, Clifton Park, Duncan, Eastward, Fowler, Harker Heights, Hay Branch, Iduma, Ira Cross, Maxdale, Meadows, Montague Village, Mountain View, Nolanville, Oveta Culp Hobby, Peebles, Pershing Park, Reeces Creek, Saegert, Skipcha, Sugar Loaf, Timber Ridge, Trimmier, Venable Village, West Ward, and Willow Springs. The middle schools are Audie Murphy, Eastern Hills, Fairway, Haynes, Liberty Hill, Live Oak Ridge, Manor, Nolan, Palo Alto, Rancier, Smith, and Union Grove. The high schools are Ellison, Harker Heights, Haynes, Killeen, and Shoemaker.


The median income for a household in the city was $59,491. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $24,161. About 7.4% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.
===High Schools===

All high school students living in Harker Heights attend Harker Heights High School. After first opening in the Fall of 2000, HHHS has grown from a school of 1450 students to one of 2200. The Knights compete at the AAAAA classification level and have made the playoffs in football 6 of the school's 7 years (including 3 district championships in AAAA) and are the defending district champions in Boys basketball (district 13-5A).
==Climate==
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen climate classification]] system, Harker Heights has a [[humid subtropical climate]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=45237&cityname=Harker+Heights,+Texas,+United+States+of+America&units=|title=Harker Heights, Texas Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|website=Weatherbase}}</ref>

==Government==
In 2022, city voters approved the decriminalization of possession of misdemeanor amounts of marijuana,<ref>{{cite news |title=Killeen, Harker Heights voters approve decriminalization of marijuana |url=https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/bell-county/marijuana-ordinances-likely-pass-killeen-harker-heights/500-bc3af647-0263-49f8-ab7c-e1540c340283 |access-date=10 November 2022 |work=kcentv.com |publisher=KCEN-TV |date=8 November 2022}}</ref> although it is still illegal under state law.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.harkerheights.com/ City Home Page]
*[http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/HH/hfh1.html Handbook of Texas Online - Harker Heights]


{{Portal|Texas}}
{{Mapit-US-cityscale|31.068459|-97.655524}}
*[http://www.ci.harker-heights.tx.us/ City of Harker Heights official website]
*[https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hfh01 Handbook of Texas Online – Harker Heights]

{{Bell County, Texas}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Bell County, Texas]]
[[Category:Cities in Bell County, Texas]]
[[Category:Cities in Texas]]
[[Category:Cities in Texas]]
[[Category:Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1957]]
[[Category:1957 establishments in Texas]]

Latest revision as of 19:11, 11 August 2024

Harker Heights, Texas
City
City of Harker Heights
Flag of Harker Heights, Texas
Flag
Motto: 
The Bright Star of Central Texas
Location of Harker Heights, Texas
Location of Harker Heights, Texas
Coordinates: 31°03′06″N 97°37′38″W / 31.05167°N 97.62722°W / 31.05167; -97.62722
Country United States
State Texas
CountyBell
Area
[1]
 • Total
15.66 sq mi (40.55 km2)
 • Land15.61 sq mi (40.43 km2)
 • Water0.05 sq mi (0.12 km2)
Elevation
[2]
817 ft (249 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
33,097
 • Density2,077.07/sq mi (801.95/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
76542, 76543, 76548
Area code254
FIPS code48-32312[3]
GNIS feature ID2410701[2]
Websiteci.Harker-Heights.TX.us

Harker Heights is a city in Bell County, Texas, United States. As of the 2020 census, 33,097 people resided in the city,[4] up from a population of 17,308 in 2000. This makes Harker Heights the third-largest city in Bell County, after Killeen and Temple. Incorporated in 1960, the city derives its name from one of the two original landowners and founder, Harley Kern. Harker Heights is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood metropolitan area.

History

[edit]

Harker Heights is located near Fort Cavazos, a major United States Army post that was designated a permanent military facility in 1950. As the post expanded, the surrounding civilian population increased. Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 was established on land near the Killeen city limits and the military post in 1955, and included the land owned by Pinckney R. Cox and Harley Kern, two hog farmers. These two men subdivided their land in 1957 and began selling lots. By 1960, between 600 and 700 of the lots had been developed and new residents supplied with water and other utility services. Following a petition for an incorporation election, the city was established on September 24, 1960, and Cox was elected mayor. Kern had died before the incorporation, and the Harker in Harker Heights was a concatenation of Harley Kern's name as a tribute to one of the original landowners. The town's boundaries expanded to include Forest Hills, Highland Oaks, and Comanche Hills. Cox, Sam Garth Jr., and Barney Sissom created GIASISCO Corporation, which was meant to help expand the town from 400 to 950 acres (160 to 380 ha).[5]

Geography

[edit]

Harker Heights is bordered by the city of Killeen to the west and Nolanville to the east. The city limits extend south to hills overlooking Stillhouse Hollow Lake on the Lampasas River.

Interstate 14/U.S. Highway 190 is a four-lane freeway that passes through the city, connecting Killeen to the west with Interstate 35 in Belton 12 miles (19 km) to the east, at a point about halfway between Waco and Austin.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Harker Heights has a total area of 15.2 square miles (39.4 km2), of which 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.32%, is covered by water.[6]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19704,216—
19807,34574.2%
199012,84174.8%
200017,30834.8%
201026,70054.3%
202033,09724.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
Harker Heights racial composition as of 2020[8]
(NH = Non-Hispanic)[a]
Race Number Percentage
White (NH) 13,715 41.44%
Black or African American (NH) 7,198 21.75%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 132 0.4%
Asian (NH) 1,522 4.6%
Pacific Islander (NH) 412 1.24%
Some Other Race (NH) 202 0.61%
Mixed/multiracial (NH) 2,557 7.73%
Hispanic or Latino 7,359 22.23%
Total 33,097

As of the 2020 United States census, 33,097 people, 11,067 households, and 8,082 families were residing in the city.

The population is heavily engaged in economic activities directly or indirectly related to the U.S. Army at nearby Fort Cavazos. The population density was 1,759.1 inhabitants per square mile (679.2/km2). The 10,347 housing units had 9,488 units occupied, and 859 units vacant. The racial makeup of the city was 62.9% White, 20.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 3.90% Asian, and 0.90% Pacific Islander; Hispanics or Latinos were 18.4% of the population.[11]

Of the 6,227 households, 42.8% had children under 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were not families. About 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.0% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.76, and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city, the population was distributed as 30.5% under 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 34.8% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 31.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $59,491. The per capita income for the city was $24,161. About 7.4% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

Climate

[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Harker Heights has a humid subtropical climate.[12]

Government

[edit]

In 2022, city voters approved the decriminalization of possession of misdemeanor amounts of marijuana,[13] although it is still illegal under state law.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Harker Heights, Texas
  3. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2019 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Harker Heights city, Texas". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  5. ^ ed. Limmer, E.A. Jr. (1988). "Story of Bell County, Texas: Volume I", p. 129-130. Eakin Press, Austin.
  6. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Harker Heights city, Texas". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  7. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  8. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  9. ^ https://www.census.gov/ [not specific enough to verify]
  10. ^ "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  11. ^ Magg, Oleg. "Home Services and Lawn Care of Killeen". www.lawnmowingkilleen.com. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  12. ^ "Harker Heights, Texas Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
  13. ^ "Killeen, Harker Heights voters approve decriminalization of marijuana". kcentv.com. KCEN-TV. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  1. ^ Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.[9][10]
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Harker_Heights,_Texas&oldid=1239821343"