Living in Waco, TX
Waco is the 189th-largest city in the US, home to about 148,000 people in 2025. It has grown 5.5% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.5 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 147,788+5.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $221,7004.1 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,165/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $54,365median, per year
- Price level
- 92.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 59° / 97°lows 36° / 74°
- Average commute
- 19 min10% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: McLennan County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 469 ft
Metro area: Waco, TX
Cost of living in Waco
The median home in Waco is worth $221,700 and the median household earns $54,365 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.1 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,165 a month, about 26% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Waco, TX metro area at 92.5, with housing at 83.5 and goods at 93.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,400 here. Texas has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Texas is 8.2%.
What would my salary be worth in Waco?
Waco weather
Average highs run from 59°F in January to 97°F in July, and January nights average 36°F. It gets 36 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are March to May and October to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Waco
People and work
The median resident is 29.7 years old, and 29% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 49% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 19 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 29.728th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 29%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 49%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,62491.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%3% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 23.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1979median year
Who moves to Waco, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Houston (Harris County), San Antonio (Bexar County) and Denton (Denton County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Houston (Harris County), Denton (Denton County) and San Antonio (Bexar County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for McLennan County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: lightning, tornado, cold wave.
Home prices
+1% in a year
Up 37% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Waco, TX area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
47% good days
3 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Waco, TX area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Waco
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Baylor University 2 miles
- McLennan Community College 3 miles
- Hill College 32 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Waco
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Waco Regional Airport ACT | 6 mi | 53,849 |
| Killeen Regional Airport GRK | 52 mi | 117,523 |
| Easterwood Airport CLL | 82 mi | 68,316 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Waco
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | 2 mi | 14,785 | $44,441 | 82% |
| McLennan Community College | 3 mi | 5,668 | $5,887 | 33% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Pros and cons of living in Waco
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 7% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Texas has no state income tax on wages.
- Data Commutes are short: 19 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 115 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data Poverty is high: 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
Waco report card from locals
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Cities near Waco
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple, TX | 35 mi | 98,412 | $239,000 | 91.1 | Compare |
| Killeen, TX | 45 mi | 161,883 | $215,400 | 91.1 | Compare |
| Round Rock, TX | 67 mi | 141,282 | $418,600 | 98.1 | Compare |
| Georgetown, TX | 70 mi | 106,907 | $429,100 | 98.1 | Compare |
| Mansfield, TX | 71 mi | 84,444 | $410,700 | 103.1 | Compare |
| Bryan, TX | 77 mi | 91,996 | $227,800 | 91.0 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Waco with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, a growing population, no state income tax on wages, short commutes; the trade-offs are 115 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Compare Waco side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Waco?
The Census Bureau estimates Waco had 147,788 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 140,113 in April 2020 (+5.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Waco?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,400 in the Waco area. The median household here earns $54,365.
When is the best time to visit Waco?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 97°F and January 59°F for daytime highs.
What county is Waco in?
Waco is in McLennan County, Texas. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Waco in?
Waco is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Waco?
About 469 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Waco. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Waco, TX metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Waco Regional Airport, TX station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.