2026 PCS Guide
BAH Verified · Fort Hood/Killeen
America's 250th
PCS to Fort Hood, Killeen TX
If you've ever seen a brigade of Abrams tanks staged on a Texas plain at sunrise, or watched a 1st Cavalry pass-in-review from the Cooper Field reviewing stand, those formations trace back to Fort Hood. In 1942, the War Department needed flat semi-arid ground to train tank destroyers for World War II — they chose 180,000 acres of Central Texas grassland west of Killeen and named it Camp Hood. Eight decades later, the installation has grown to 215,000 acres and trained every heavy force the Army has deployed from Korea to Iraq to the present.
The post was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 to honor General Richard E. Cavazos, the Army's first Hispanic four-star general, then officially reverted to Fort Hood in 2025 as part of the broader DoD renaming reversal. As America marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, Fort Hood remains home to III Armored Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division, and roughly 36,000 active-duty soldiers whose nickname for the installation — "The Great Place" — says more about the community than about the weather. The lifestyle tradeoffs are real: triple-digit summer heat that runs seven months of the year, a multi-cantonment commute footprint, school-quality variation between ISDs, and a Killeen-Temple economy with limited spouse-employment options outside remote work.
Last updated April 28, 2026 · BAH verified via DTMO 2026 rate tables · Distances via Google Maps · Schools via Killeen ISD, Belton ISD, Copperas Cove ISD, Salado ISD · Rent via Apartments.com / Zumper
⚡ Quick Answer
The 2026 BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Fort Hood is $1,695/month, up 6.3% over 2025 — one of the larger year-over-year jumps in the Army. Most ranks comfortably cover rent with $200-$400/month in BAH surplus. Median 3-bedroom rent runs $1,100-$1,400 in Killeen and $1,200-$1,500 in Harker Heights. Median home price is approximately $230,000-$280,000, making this one of the best VA loan markets in the Army. On-post family housing is operated by Cavalry Family Housing (Lendlease).
Best off-base options: Harker Heights (strongest schools, 10-20 min commute), Nolanville (quieter, similar schools), Killeen (most inventory, fastest gate access), Copperas Cove (west-side access). On-post medical is Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, a modern full-service hospital opened in 2016 with 24/7 ER, surgery, L&D, pediatrics, and behavioral health. Baylor Scott and White Temple (~35 mi) anchors complex civilian referrals.
E-5 w/ Dependents BAH
$1,695
Per month · Fort Hood/Killeen MHA · +6.3% YoY
Active-Duty Personnel
~36,000
Largest armored post in U.S. military
Established
1942
Originally Camp Hood · WWII tank-destroyer training
Fort Hood spans three cantonment areas
Fort Hood covers 214,968 acres across three cantonment footprints — Main Post (the primary living and working area), West Fort Hood (select tenant units and Robert Gray Army Airfield), and North Fort Hood (Texas Army National Guard mobilization training). BAH is the same regardless of which cantonment your unit is on, but commute changes meaningfully — Clear Creek Gate is fastest for Harker Heights; West Fort Hood Gate is fastest for Copperas Cove; Main Gate is always slowest. If your orders say Fort Cavazos, you're headed to the same place — the 2025 reversion to Fort Hood is already reflected on home.army.mil/hood and in MyArmy.
🐎 Why Fort Hood matters — major tenant commands
III Armored Corps
Phantom Corps · Army's premier heavy corps · on post
III Armored Corps is the Army's primary armored corps headquarters and Fort Hood's senior tactical command. Directs the 1st Cavalry Division and supporting brigades through training, deployment, and combatant-command rotations. Headquartered at Fort Hood.
1st Cavalry Division
First Team · America's First Team · on post
The 1st Cavalry Division is one of the most storied formations in the Army — armored division flagship and the centerpiece of Fort Hood's operational tempo. Drives the family-support cadence and PCS volume at the installation.
36th Infantry Division (Texas ARNG)
Arrowhead · Texas Army National Guard · on post
Elements of the 36th Infantry Division — the Texas Army National Guard's combat division — train and mobilize through Fort Hood, particularly via the North Fort Hood cantonment. Supports state and federal mobilization missions.
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
Sustaining the warfighter · on post
The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) provides operational-level sustainment to deployed forces — logistics, transportation, supply, and contracting. Headquartered at Fort Hood under III Armored Corps.
Robert Gray Army Airfield
On-post Army airfield · West Fort Hood
Robert Gray Army Airfield (KGRK) is Fort Hood's main fixed-wing airfield, located on West Fort Hood. Supports rotary and fixed-wing operations for the installation and serves as a deployment platform for outload and redeployment.
West Fort Hood + North Fort Hood
Sub-installation footprint · two additional cantonments
West Fort Hood houses select tenant units and the airfield. North Fort Hood is the National Guard mobilization training site. Together they extend the installation's footprint beyond Main Post and shape commute realities depending on your gate of record.
💰 How much is BAH at Fort Hood in 2026?
Fort Hood BAH rates increased 6.3% in 2026, reflecting rent pressure in the Killeen-Temple corridor — well above the 4.2% national average and one of the larger Army year-over-year jumps. Most ranks pocket $200-$400/month in BAH surplus given local rents. The spread with-vs-without dependents is roughly 15.3% — on the lower end because Killeen rental inventory across configurations doesn't vary as much as in major metros.
Texas has no state income tax, which materially offsets the higher utility costs of Central Texas summers (budget $200-$350/month for electricity June-September). The Killeen-Harker Heights cost of living runs well below the national average; median 3-bedroom rent is $1,100-$1,400 in Killeen and $1,200-$1,500 in Harker Heights. Median home price near $230,000-$280,000 makes this one of the best VA loan markets in the Army for buying instead of renting.
| Rank | With Dep | No Dep | Suggested Off-Base |
|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $1,662 | $1,374 | Killeen |
| E-5 | $1,695 | $1,440 | Killeen |
| E-6 | $1,887 | $1,521 | Copperas Cove |
| E-7 | $1,962 | $1,629 | Nolanville |
| E-8 | $2,013 | $1,740 | Nolanville |
| E-9 | $2,118 | $1,815 | Harker Heights |
| W-2 | $1,920 | $1,581 | Nolanville |
| O-3 | $2,070 | $1,761 | Harker Heights |
| O-4 | $2,328 | $1,878 | Harker Heights |
| O-5 | $2,520 | $2,049 | Belton |
| O-6 | $2,553 | $2,070 | Salado |
| O-7+ | $2,577 | $2,088 | Salado |
Source: 2026 DoD BAH rate tables (DTMO), effective January 1, 2026. E-5 with dependents verified at $1,695. Texas has no state income tax. On-post family housing is operated by Cavalry Family Housing (Lendlease); rent equals BAH for the assigned rank. Verify your exact rate at travel.dod.mil.
🏘️ Which neighborhoods work for Fort Hood?
Fort Hood gives families real catchment range. The installation is huge (215,000 acres with multiple gates) and Texas has no state income tax, which is why many families end up buying instead of renting — median home prices in the $230,000-$280,000 range with strong VA loan terms make ownership realistic at most ranks. Choose by gate proximity, ISD zoning, and the rent-vs-buy math for your expected tour length.
⚠ Texas heat reality check
Honest take: Central Texas summer runs 100-110°F from June through September, sometimes 115°F+. Air conditioning is non-negotiable — budget $200-$350/month for electricity during summer months. AC runs 7+ months of the year. Winters are mild (45-65°F). Texas has no state income tax, which materially offsets the utility bills. The first summer is the single most common complaint from PCS families arriving from Pacific Northwest, Alaska, or northeast installations.
EFMP Families — Fort Hood Specifics
Fort Hood is a solid EFMP assignment because Carl R. Darnall has substantial specialty pediatric capacity on post, and the Killeen-Temple TRICARE network covers ABA therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy for off-post referrals. Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple (~35 minutes via I-35) provides genuinely deep pediatric subspecialties (pediatric neurology, developmental pediatrics, pediatric cardiology) that aren't routinely available at every Army installation. School-side, Killeen ISD, Belton ISD, and Copperas Cove ISD all maintain dedicated special-education coordinators. Start your EFMP screening 90 days before PCS — wait times are shorter than major metros but longer than DMV-area assignments, so get referrals started early.
🏫 Which schools are best for military families?
All on-post K-12 schools are part of Killeen ISD, which also covers Killeen city and the Harker Heights area schools (Harker Heights High is a Killeen ISD campus). Off-post, Belton ISD (Nolanville, Belton) and Salado ISD (Salado) consistently rate strongest, with Salado at premium home prices. Copperas Cove ISD covers the west-side commuter footprint. Texas accountability ratings shift annually based on STAAR test performance, and individual campus ratings within Killeen ISD vary widely — verify the specific campus zoned to your address at greatschools.org and txschools.gov before signing a lease.
Killeen ISD (on-post zone + Killeen + Harker Heights schools)
Elementary, middle, and high — Mountain View Elementary, Harker Heights High among the named campuses. Strength: dedicated special-education coordinator infrastructure and the largest military-family enrollment in Central Texas.
High-rated
Belton ISD (Nolanville, Belton)
Elementary, middle, and high — Nolan Middle School, Belton High School among the named feeders. Strength: state-of-Texas B-rated district with dual-credit and CTE pathways through Temple College.
High-rated
Copperas Cove ISD (Copperas Cove)
Elementary, middle, and high — district covers the west-gates commuter catchment. Strength: state B-rated district with strong military-family programming given the West Fort Hood gate proximity.
Mid-range
Salado ISD (Salado)
Elementary, middle, and high — Salado Elementary among the named campuses. Strength: highest top-line ratings in the regional catchment; smaller community footprint with consistent state accountability scores.
Top-rated
Ratings reflect GreatSchools test-score percentiles and do not capture school culture, military family support programs, special education depth, or extracurriculars. Verify per address with the district before enrollment decisions. Higher ed: Central Texas College (~3 mi), Texas A&M Central Texas (~5 mi), University of Mary Hardin-Baylor / UMHB (~20 mi, Belton), Baylor University (~65 mi, Waco), UT Austin (~70 mi), Texas State University (~85 mi, San Marcos). Notable private K-12: verify with the Fort Hood School Liaison for current options. School Liaison through the Fort Hood Army Community Service (ACS).
🏥 What medical care is available?
Fort Hood has Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on post — one of the newest Army hospitals in the country, opened in 2016. Combined with the large Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple (~35 minutes away) and a solid TRICARE civilian network across Bell and Coryell counties, medical access at Fort Hood is genuinely stronger than at most Army installations its size.
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
On post · Fort Hood, TX · opened 2016 · 24/7 ER
Modern full-service Army medical center. Primary care, 24/7 emergency department, pharmacy, surgery, labor and delivery, pediatrics, behavioral health, OB/GYN, and most specialty care. Named for Major General Carl R. Darnall, the Army medical innovator who developed water chlorination. Serves 1st Cavalry Division, III Armored Corps, and all Fort Hood tenant units.
ER 24/7SurgeryL&D
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center — Temple
Temple, TX · ~35 mi · ~40-45 min off-peak · Level I trauma · academic
Major civilian academic medical center. Level I trauma center, advanced pediatric subspecialties, cardiology, cancer center, and organ transplant program. Accepts TRICARE. The primary off-post referral destination for complex cases not handled at Darnall.
Level I TraumaPediatric SubspecialtyTRICARE Network
🏃 What MWR and athletic programs are available?
Fort Hood runs one of the most extensive MWR programs in the Army. The combination of size, mild winters, and proximity to Lake Belton means there's genuinely a lot to do on post — which matters when PCS kids are adjusting to Texas heat. Youth sports run year-round through CYS with affordable seasonal leagues open to all ranks.
⚽ CYS Youth Sports
Seasonal leagues, ages 3-18
Soccer, flag football, baseball, softball, basketball, cheer, and swim team. Spring and fall seasons. Fees are significantly lower than civilian leagues. Open to all military dependents.
🏀 Fitness & Pools
Abrams PFC + 6 gyms + multiple pools
Abrams Physical Fitness Center is 24/7 — free weights, cardio, group fitness (spin, yoga, CrossFit-style). Six-plus gyms across post. Multiple outdoor pools open May-September plus year-round indoor lap facilities for the long Texas summer.
⛳ Courses Golf Course
Championship 18-hole
On-post 18-hole course with military-discount rates, pro shop, driving range, and clubhouse restaurant. One of the better-maintained military courses in the Army's central region.
🛶 Outdoor Recreation
Lake Belton gateway
Kayak, paddleboard, canoe, and camping gear rentals. RV storage, ATV park, hunting and fishing permits, mountain biking trails. Lake Belton access ~20 minutes from post for boating, fishing, and shoreline camping.
🎳 Bowling & Family Entertainment
Strike Zone Bowling + post entertainment
Strike Zone Bowling Center with leagues, family nights, and arcade. Starlight Theater on post for movies, Rod and Gun Club for firearms enthusiasts, equestrian center with riding lessons, and Auto Skills Center for DIY vehicle work.
🎭 Phantom Warrior Stadium events
Free concerts, fireworks, and post festivals
Phantom Warrior Stadium hosts free concerts, 4th of July fireworks, and major post events. Hosted a 2026 UFL game between the Dallas Renegades and Orlando Storm. Plus Oktoberfest, family festivals, and seasonal community events. Check the FMWR calendar monthly.
🚗 What are the commute realities?
Honest take: Fort Hood covers 215,000 acres across three cantonment areas (Main Post, West Fort Hood, North Fort Hood), so your commute depends heavily on which gate you use and which part of post your unit is on. Multiple gates distribute traffic. Clear Creek Gate is fastest for Harker Heights; West Fort Hood Gate is fastest for Copperas Cove; Main Gate is consistently the slowest. Rancier Avenue and Fort Hood Street are parking lots 0700-0900 and 1600-1800; Trimmier Road is a faster alternate for Killeen. I-35 to Temple can stretch to 60+ minutes during rush hour.
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak Drive |
|---|
| Killeen (Main Gate) | ~3 mi | ~10 min |
| Harker Heights (Clear Creek Gate) | ~6 mi | ~15 min |
| Copperas Cove (West Gate) | ~8 mi | ~15 min |
| Nolanville | ~10 mi | ~18 min |
| Belton | ~20 mi | ~25 min |
| Salado | ~25 mi | ~30 min |
| Temple (Baylor Scott and White) | ~35 mi | ~40 min |
| Waco | ~65 mi | ~1h |
| Austin (downtown) | ~70 mi | ~1h 10m |
| Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) | ~80 mi | ~1h 20m |
| San Antonio | ~145 mi | ~2h 10m |
| Dallas / DFW Metroplex | ~175 mi | ~2h 30m |
Distances via Google Maps. Add 20-40 minutes during gate peak hours (0700-0900 inbound, 1600-1800 outbound). I-35 to Temple can stretch to 60+ minutes during rush hour or weather events — plan accordingly for non-emergency Baylor Scott and White visits. No commuter rail; single-occupancy vehicle is the dominant mode for the Killeen-Temple corridor.
🎓 Who else is nearby in the Central Texas military and federal ecosystem?
The Killeen-Temple corridor isn't federally dense like the DMV, but the surrounding Bell and Coryell counties support the installation with healthcare, education, and retail. Austin is ~70 miles south for big-city options and Bergstrom Airport. Temple's Baylor Scott and White system anchors a growing medical and academic hub. Lake Belton is the regional outdoor draw at ~20 miles from post.
🪖 Military Installations Nearby
- Robert Gray Army Airfieldon post
- West Fort Hood cantonmenton post
- North Fort Hood (TX ARNG mob site)on post
- Camp Mabry (TX ARNG HQ, Austin)~70 mi
- JBSA-Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio)~155 mi
- JBSA-Lackland (San Antonio)~150 mi
🎓 Universities, Healthcare & Recreation
- Central Texas College~3 mi
- Texas A&M Central Texas~5 mi
- UMHB (Belton)~20 mi
- Baylor University (Waco)~65 mi
- UT Austin~70 mi
- Lake Belton recreation~20 mi
💡 What 2026 changes for your PCS to Fort Hood
The 2026 BAH adjustment for Fort Hood was +6.3% — well above the 4.2% national average and one of the larger Army year-over-year jumps, reflecting Killeen-Temple rent pressure. Fort Hood's tenant footprint remains anchored by III Armored Corps, the 1st Cavalry Division, the 36th Infantry Division (TX ARNG), and the 13th Sustainment Command. The 2025 Fort Hood name reversion (from Fort Cavazos) is now reflected on home.army.mil/hood and in MyArmy. Texas has no state income tax, which materially offsets the higher Central Texas summer utility costs (budget $200-$350/month for electricity June-September).
The Pentagon is cutting discretionary PCS moves 50% by 2030, with the reduction starting fiscal 2027. Combined with Fort Hood's affordability and the 6.3% BAH increase, that shifts the rent-vs-buy math toward buying — VA loan with zero down on a $230K-$280K home with an E-5 BAH is genuinely realistic here in a way it isn't at most large installations. Spouse employment is the main tradeoff: the local Killeen-Temple job market is limited outside base-related work and service industries; remote work for Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio companies is the strongest play. On-post housing is operated by Cavalry Family Housing (Lendlease) — apply through the Fort Hood Housing Service Center as soon as you have orders; waitlists run 6-12 months for 4-bedroom homes during May-August PCS season. Bring a physical Real ID or CAC to the Visitor Control Center.
🔗 Support Resources
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is BAH at Fort Hood in 2026?
The 2026 BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Fort Hood is $1,695 per month. Rates increased 6.3% over 2025 — one of the larger year-over-year jumps in the Army. Most ranks comfortably cover rent with $200-$400/month in BAH surplus.
Why does Fort Hood matter — what's stationed here?
Fort Hood hosts III Armored Corps (the Army's premier heavy corps), the 1st Cavalry Division ("First Team"), elements of the 36th Infantry Division (Texas Army National Guard), the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and supporting aviation and engineer brigades. With ~36,000 active-duty personnel and a total supported population near 60,000, it is the largest active-duty armored installation in the U.S. military.
Is it Fort Hood or Fort Cavazos now?
The installation was renamed Fort Cavazos in May 2023, then officially reverted to Fort Hood in 2025. Both names still appear in many sources. ZIP codes (76544), MHA, and installation address have not changed. If your orders say either name, you're going to the same place.
What schools are best for military families at Fort Hood?
All on-post K-12 schools are Killeen ISD, which also covers Killeen city and the Harker Heights schools. Belton ISD (Nolanville, Belton) and Salado ISD (Salado, premium) consistently rate strongest. Copperas Cove ISD covers the west-side commuter footprint. Always verify the specific catchment school by address before signing a lease.
Does Fort Hood have an on-post hospital?
Yes. Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (opened 2016) is a modern full-service Army hospital with 24/7 emergency, pharmacy, surgery, labor and delivery, pediatrics, behavioral health, and most specialty care. Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple (~35 mi) is the primary civilian academic referral for complex cases.
What MWR and athletic programs does Fort Hood have?
Fort Hood has one of the most extensive MWR programs in the Army. CYS youth sports (soccer, baseball, basketball, cheer, swim — seasonal). Abrams PFC 24/7 plus 6+ gyms and multiple pools for the long Texas summer. Courses Golf (18-hole, military-discount rates). Outdoor Recreation rents kayaks, paddleboards, camping gear with Lake Belton access. Also Strike Zone Bowling, equestrian center, ATV park, Auto Skills, and Phantom Warrior Stadium events.
What's the commute from Fort Hood like?
Fort Hood covers 215,000 acres across three cantonments. Clear Creek Gate is fastest for Harker Heights; West Fort Hood Gate is fastest for Copperas Cove; Main Gate is always slowest. Add 20-40 minutes during gate peak hours (0700-0900, 1600-1800). Austin (~70 mi) is the major commercial hub; Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) is at ~80 miles.
What 2026 changes affect a Fort Hood PCS?
The Pentagon is cutting discretionary PCS moves 50% by 2030, with the reduction starting fiscal 2027 — combined with Fort Hood's affordability and 6.3% BAH increase, that shifts the rent-vs-buy math toward buying. VA loan with zero down on a $230K-$280K home with an E-5 BAH is realistic here. On-post family housing is operated by Cavalry Family Housing (Lendlease); waitlists run 6-12 months for 4-bedroom homes during May-August PCS season. Bring a physical Real ID or CAC to the Visitor Control Center. Federal 2026 reforms apply on top of base-specific changes. The Personal Property Activity (PPA) stood up permanently May 1, 2026 at Scott AFB, IL reporting directly to the Secretary of War. PPA.mil is the new sole-source-of-truth hub for HHG, POV, claims, and PCS guidance — replacing fragmented legacy platforms. 24/7 PCS Call Center 1-833-MIL-MOVE (May 15 - Sept 15). Concrete 2026 policy changes: claims window 9 mo → 12 mo; PPM reimbursement back to 100% of government-constructed cost (down from 130% in 2025); dependent per diem for mover-caused delays now 75% of SM M&IE paid by carrier; DLA rates +3.8% for 2026. Pentagon discretionary PCS reduction 50% by FY2030: 10% FY27, 30% FY28, 40% FY29, 50% FY30 — fewer moves per career, longer tours, plan housing accordingly.
Ready to run your Fort Hood numbers?
Compare BAH against actual rents and home prices across Killeen, Harker Heights, Nolanville, Copperas Cove, Belton, Salado, and Cavalry Family Housing on-post — with ISD zoning, Carl R. Darnall proximity, and gate-specific commute realities surfaced for your rank.
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