Bellmead, Texas
Bellmead is a city in McLennan County in Central Texas, adjoining the northeast side of Waco along the Brazos River bottomlands, only about 5 miles from downtown Waco. It grew as a suburban and industrial community on the edge of the larger city, served by rail lines and Interstate 35. The surrounding country is the gently rolling blackland prairie characteristic of the region.
Property here runs through the McLennan Central Appraisal District and the county tax office — the homestead exemption, the appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level. The McLennan County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
McLennan County notes
What to know around Bellmead
Vehicle Registration
No Annual Safety Inspection Required to Register Your Car
As of January 1, 2025, McLennan County drivers no longer need a safety inspection to renew vehicle registration, but a small replacement fee applies.
Flood Zones
Brazos River Flooding Is a Real Risk Here
The Brazos River and Bosque River tributaries cross McLennan County, putting many properties in or near FEMA flood zones.
Groundwater
Groundwater Comes From the Trinity Aquifer — With Limits
The Trinity Aquifer underlies McLennan County, but heavy pumping has caused significant water level declines along the I-35 corridor.
Fishing
Lake Waco Offers Year-Round Fishing Access
Lake Waco is an 8,465-acre reservoir with multiple public boat ramps managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Paddling
Two Paddling Trails Run Through Downtown Waco
The Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges paddling trails offer beginner-friendly canoe and kayak routes through the heart of Waco.
Hunting
White-Tailed Deer and Turkey Hunting in McLennan County
McLennan County falls in TPWD's North Zone for deer and has both fall and spring turkey seasons, with antler restrictions in place.
Nearby
Places near Bellmead
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Falls County
6 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Hill County
12 local notes · DFW / North Texas
Limestone County
7 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Bosque County
8 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Coryell County
27 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Bell County
38 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Next steps for Bellmead
Estimate property tax
Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
Open estimator ->McLennan County notes
Property tax, land, outdoors, vehicles, rules, and history for the county.
Browse county ->Look up another place
Every Texas town and all 254 counties.
Find a place ->