TexasPop. 143,570Mid-size cities
Is Waco a Good Place to Live? Waco, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waco ranks #993 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #187 of 256 mid-size cities and #59 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.7 min, #27 of 256) and affordable homes ($221,700, #41 of 256), and trails on low household income ($54,365, #235 of 256) and high poverty (23.1%, #233 of 256).
Waco by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waco's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Waco?
Waco's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,165/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $197,932, 34% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Waco | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.6#351 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $197,932#109 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,363/mo#223 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $221,700#299 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,165/mo#405 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.7%#1065 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Waco housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Waco is in the Waco, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Waco safe?
Waco recorded 414 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 373 and 3% above Texas's 401. That ranks #737 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #144 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waco Police Department. Property crime runs 1,799 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Waco | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 414#737 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,799#620 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Waco?
The median household in Waco earns $54,365, 29% below the US figure of $76,827 and 26% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Waco | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $54,365#1164 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 23.1%#1194 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Waco?
The median resident of Waco is 29.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 29.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 28.7%#851 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 49.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Waco's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Waco; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,359 per pupil. 36.8% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Waco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,359#785 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.8%#929 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.4%#1210 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 20.4%#1225 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 19,923 students are enrolled in Waco's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waco?
The average commute in Waco is 18.7 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.7% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waco scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.3°F and winters 49.4°F, with 36.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waco | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.7 min#235 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.7%#328 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.7% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.8% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.7% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59.1 | 35.8 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 63.1 | 40.1 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 70.2 | 47.4 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 77.9 | 54.6 | 3.3 |
| May | 85.3 | 63.3 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 92.7 | 71.1 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 96.7 | 74.4 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 97.1 | 73.9 | 2.1 |
| Sep | 90.8 | 66.7 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 80.7 | 56.2 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 68.8 | 45.6 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 60.4 | 37.9 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Waco Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Waco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 67.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 36.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Waco Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waco?
McLennan County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 47% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McLennan County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hurricane, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Waco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.07%#42 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for McLennan County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, McLennan County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.0019% | 66% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0028% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0094% | 52% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.047% | 9% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Waco compare with similar-size cities?
Waco is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #187 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 143,570.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waco, TXPop. 143,570 | #993 | 50.2 | $54,365 | $1,165/mo | 414 | 18.7 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 min |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #473 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 | 30.4 min |
| Visalia, CAPop. 143,939 | #972 | 50.5 | $81,989 | $1,490/mo | 415 | 22.9 min |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #1147 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data | 21.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Waco compare with the rest of Texas?
Waco ranks #59 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.2 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 26% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | … #55 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 |
| Victoria, TXPop. 65,625 | #56 | 50.5 | $67,226 | $1,172/mo | 364 |
| Laredo, TXPop. 257,619 | #57 | 50.3 | $63,915 | $1,030/mo | 316 |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #58 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 |
| Waco, TXPop. 143,570 | #59 | 50.2 | $54,365 | $1,165/mo | 414 |
| San Antonio, TXPop. 1,479,835 | #60 | 49.8 | $65,056 | $1,324/mo | 532 |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #61 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #62 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #63 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Waco among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Waco's score calculated?
Waco scores 50.2 out of 100, #993 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Waco. Similar-size median 52.9.
43.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waco's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
67.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waco. Similar-size median 53.8.
40.8 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waco's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waco's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
78.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waco. Similar-size median 51.2.
21.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waco. Similar-size median 42.1.
47.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waco. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waco's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
67.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waco's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Waco has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Waco
Is Waco, TX a good place to live?
Waco ranks #993 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #187 of 256 mid-size cities and #59 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.7 min, #27 of 256) and affordable homes ($221,700, #41 of 256), and trails on low household income ($54,365, #235 of 256) and high poverty (23.1%, #233 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Waco?
Waco's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,165/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $197,932, 34% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Waco?
Waco recorded 414 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 373 and 3% above Texas's 401. That ranks #737 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #144 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waco Police Department. Property crime runs 1,799 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Waco?
The median household in Waco earns $54,365, 29% below the US figure of $76,827 and 26% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Waco?
Median rent in Waco is $1,165/mo (Census), #405 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,363/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waco?
Zillow's typical home value in Waco is $197,932, down 1.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $221,700.
How are the public schools in Waco?
There is no city graduation rate for Waco; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,359 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waco?
The average commute is 18.7 minutes, #235 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 3.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waco?
Waco averages 67.1°F over the year, 84.3°F in summer and 49.4°F in winter, with 36.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waco walkable?
Waco scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Waco at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McLennan County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hurricane, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Waco?
McLennan County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 47% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Waco?
Waco has 143,570 residents. The median resident of Waco is 29.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waco compare with the rest of Texas?
Waco ranks #59 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.2 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 26% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Waco?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waco's population of 143,570 are Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), Jackson, MS (#1189 overall), Syracuse, NY (#1012 overall), Gainesville, FL (#1062 overall), and Olathe, KS (#98 overall). Waco is #993.