Moving from Killeen, TX to Joliet, IL
A move from Killeen, TX to Joliet, IL 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
| Killeen | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Joliet is 13.7% higher than Killeen, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Joliet is 13.7% above Killeen ($259,875 vs $219,957 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Killeen | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 38.0" |
Joliet runs 16.2°F colder on the annual average (66.6°F vs 50.4°F) — expect a noticeably different year.
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 30 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 13.7% above Killeen ($58,339 vs $88,026, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Joliet MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- Winter gear first: Joliet averages 16.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.2°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Killeen and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 66.6°F in Killeen (16.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 34.8 in.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Joliet?
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 does the job market in Joliet compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $58,339 in Killeen — a 50.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Joliet more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 13.7% higher than Killeen (103.595 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Killeen, TX?
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 much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $219,957 in Killeen — a 18.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX · Joliet, IL.