Waco, TX, known as 'The Heart of Texas,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in McLennan County, Waco is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Dallas (95 miles) and Austin (100 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Waco's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Waco is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Magnolia Market at the Silos, the historic Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and the scenic Cameron Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Waco Mammoth National Monument to the bustling Central Texas Marketplace, known for its shopping and dining. Waco's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Texan cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Waco Cultural Arts Fest and the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Waco's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Baylor University contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Waco is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Waco Hippodrome Theatre and the Art Center Waco are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Waco provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Waco’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Baylor Bears (NCAA), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Waco include healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with significant employers such as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and L3Harris Technologies driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike-sharing programs, making transportation convenient and accessible for residents.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Waco, Texas is a medium-sized city with a population of 137,779 people. The majority of Waco residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Waco are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 22% of the population also speak Spanish. Waco tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 29 is far below the national average. Waco is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 43% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Waco will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Waco, Texas. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Waco and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Texas and national averages.
Waco, TX receives 72/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #232 in Texas and #5,192 in the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Waco scores well for housing (A+) Unfortunately for Waco, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F), education (D) and employment (F).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Waco apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Waco is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Waco come in at $133,500, which is 6.4% lower than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waco, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 26.9% higher than the Texas average.
| Statistic | Waco | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.1% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.1% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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