Moving from Joliet, IL to Killeen, TX
A move from Joliet, IL to Killeen, TX covers 1039 mi and around 19h 6m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1039 mi · 19h 6m by car · TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Dallas, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 91.132, putting Killeen roughly 12.0% below Joliet on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Killeen ZHVI at $219,957 is 12.0% below Joliet at $259,875.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 34.8" |
Major climate step-up: 16.2°F warmer annual average in Killeen vs Joliet.
Effectively snow-free year in Killeen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Killeen is 12.0% below Joliet ($88,026 vs $58,339, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Killeen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,840 | $37,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,620 | $26,660 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 14,700 | $81,360 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,820 | $37,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 12,710 | $59,740 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Killeen average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.2°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 50.4°F in Joliet (16.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 38.0 in.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 15.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 33.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Killeen more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 12.0% lower than Joliet (91.132 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1039 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Killeen, TX from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 1039 mi and the route typically takes 19h 6m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Killeen, TX.