Fort Hood Drives the Local Economy

Fort Hood sits on the border of Coryell and Bell counties. It is one of the largest U.S. Army posts in the country. The Texas Almanac (2021) lists a population of about 24,781 for the post. Thousands more soldiers and civilian workers drive in from Gatesville, Copperas Cove, and other Coryell County towns.

The fort shapes life here in big ways. It drives demand for housing, fills school classrooms, and supports local stores and businesses. Copperas Cove, with a population of about 37,000, sits inside Coryell County. It is the main place where post workers and families live.

If you are buying or renting near Copperas Cove, keep in mind that housing demand rises and falls with military deployments and changes at the post.