If you’re considering a move to Waco, Texas then you must know that it is the birthplace of a famous refreshing drink Dr Pepper.
Waco City is the county seat of McLennan County and is located in the corner of the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Waco is also home to the famous Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
We will provide you with detailed information about the things you must know before Moving to Waco TX. Let’s jump into the details!
Where is Waco TX Located?
Waco, Texas is located in the north-central part of Texas and situated along the Brazos River and halfway between Dallas and Austin with over 95.5 square miles of area.
What is Waco Tx known for?
Here are some of the things Waco city is famous for”
- Waco has a famous Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum featuring the history of legendary law enforcement agencies..
- Waco has a Magnolia Market which is a popular shopping destination owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.”
- Baylor University which is a private Christian university is in Waco TX.
- Various available outdoor activities for Waco residents along the Brazos River.
- Unfortunately, Waco is also known for tragic events dating back to the 1993 Branch Davidian siege and the 2015 shooting at a biker rally.
1. Population and diversity in Waco TX
Waco, TX has a population of approximately 138,000 people as of 2020. Waco has experienced population growth, with an annual growth rate of 2.07% and a 15.39% increase in population.
The racial and ethnic makeup of the city is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the racial makeup of Waco is as follows:
- White alone: 64.0%
- Black or African American alone: 20.9%
- American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 0.4%
- Asian alone: 2.1%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: 0.1%
- Two or More Races: 9.4%
- Hispanic or Latino: 36.7%
According to BestNeighborhood.org, Waco is much more diverse than other US cities, with a diversity score of 94 out of 100.
2. Is Waco TX Safe?
The 2020 crime rate in Waco, TX is 359 (City-Data.com crime index), 1.4 times greater than the U.S. average. It was higher than in 92.1% of U.S. cities.
In the last 5 years, Waco has seen a rise in violent crime and a decline in property crime.
Waco, TX has a higher crime rate compared to the national average.
The most common crime in Waco, TX is assault and robbery. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Waco is 1 in 139.
Also in the last couple of years, there has been a significant increase in violent crimes.
Yes. Living in Waco is considered safe as the violent crime rate compared to other cities is in the moderate range.
While the violent crime rate is on the increase the property crime rate is declining.
3. Cost of Living in Waco TX
The cost of living index in Waco, TX is 78.9, compared to the US average of 100. This means that the overall cost of living in Waco is 21.1% lower than the national average.
This makes it easy to live comfortably in Waco Tx with low income.
The median household income in Waco, TX is $49,534 and the average annual household income in Waco is $63,418.
The overall poverty rate in Waco is 24.84%.
You need to make around $63,418 per year to live comfortably in Waco with your family.
Here is a table for the cost of living in Waco, TX :
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 78.9 |
| Median Home Cost | $208,800 |
| Utilities | 97.2 |
| Transportation | 72.3 |
| Miscellaneous | 91.3 |
| Average Cost of Living | $1,823/month |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $2,324 |
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment in city center) | $1,000 |
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment outside of city center) | $800 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $2.64 |
| Rice (white) (1 lb) | $1.25 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $4.39 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $6.61 |
4. Housing Market in Waco TX
The housing market in Waco Tx has seen a significant increase in 2023 up to 19.6% compared to 2022.
Waco is ranked among the top 20 emerging housing markets in the U.S., according to a recent Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Emerging Housing Markets Index.
The average Waco house price was $263K last month and the median home price in Waco, TX was $279K in July 2023.
The average sales price of a single-family home in Waco has increased by 28.08% (May 2021 vs May 2022) while the months of transaction volumes increased by more than 14%.
The median list price of homes in Waco, TX was $260,000 in July 2023, compared to $267,000 in 2022.
Waco, TX has been a buyer’s market since April 2023, which means that the supply of homes is greater than the demand for them.
5. Tax Rates in Waco TX
The sales tax rate in Waco, TX is 8.25%, which consists of 6.25% Texas state sales tax, 0.5% McLennan County sales tax, and 1.5% Waco tax.
According to P. O’Connor & Associates, Waco property taxes per capita are higher than peer Texas cities.
Waco’s per capita property taxes grew from $240/person to $646/person between 2002 and 2019.
6. Public Transportation in Waco TX
There are several public transportation options available in Waco, TX:
- Waco Transit System: The Waco Transit System provides safe and reliable public transportation to the citizens of Waco and the surrounding communities. Services include a fixed route bus service within the City of Waco, the Baylor University Shuttle (BUS), and a Demand Response Van for individuals with special transportation needs. Other special services include the Gold Rush Tailgate, Safe Ride Home on New Year’s Eve, and Charter Service. All current TSTC students are eligible to receive a FREE TSTC/Waco Transit Bus Pass which will provide access to all Waco Transit System’s fixed routes.
- METRO Local Bus Service: The METRO Local Bus Service provides ADA-accessible public transit in Houston, Texas, which is located near Waco. The bus service has dozens of routes connecting you to work, shopping, doctor’s appointments, and more. Many buses run at least every 15 minutes, and free Wi-Fi is available on board.
- Baylor University Shuttle: Baylor University Shuttle is a free shuttle service that provides transportation for students, faculty, and staff around the Baylor University campus and surrounding areas.
These public transportation options provide a convenient and affordable way to get around Waco, TX if you don’t have a car.
7. Weather and climate in Waco TX
Waco, TX experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter overall, Waco, TX has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
The coldest month in Waco, TX is January, with an average low temperature of 39°F and an average high temperature of 59°F.
The average maximum temperature in January is 15°C (60°F). Snowfall is minimal in Waco, with just a mere 0.04″ in January.
The warmest month in Waco, TX is August, with an average temperature of 30.5°C (86.8°F).
It does snow in Waco, TX, but it is rare. Waco, TX sees 2 to 5.5 inches of snowfall every year.
In January 2021, Waco witnessed 4.4 inches of snowfall, which was the city’s biggest snowstorm since 1982, according to ABC News.
Here is a table summarizing the weather in Waco, TX for each month:
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 60.0 | 39.0 | 2.17 |
| February | 62.8 | 41.1 | 2.95 |
| March | 73.0 | 50.0 | 3.17 |
| April | 82.8 | 57.6 | 3.95 |
| May | 89.2 | 67.0 | 5.24 |
| June | 93.0 | 73.0 | 3.94 |
| July | 96.0 | 76.0 | 1.92 |
| August | 96.0 | 75.0 | 2.16 |
| September | 89.0 | 69.0 | 3.17 |
| October | 79.0 | 57.0 | 3.95 |
| November | 70.0 | 45.0 | 2.95 |
| December | 62.0 | 41.0 | 2.17 |
8. Job opportunities in Waco TX
Future job growth in Waco over the next ten years is predicted to be 38.3%, which is higher than the national average.
Currently, the average salary for jobs in Waco, Texas, is $58,329 per year or an hourly rate of $28, according to SalaryExpert.
Overall job market growth in Waco, TX appears to be positive based on observed growth in the employment rate.
Employment in Waco, TX grew at a rate of 0.894% from 2019 to 2020 and growth of 1.1% over the last year.
Top Employers in Waco, TX:
- Baylor University
- Providence Health Center
- Waco Independent School District
- L-3 Technologies
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery
- City of Waco
- Cargill
- Aramark
- Sanderson Farms
- Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Most common job titles in Waco, TX:
- Retail Sales Associate
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Construction Worker
- Registered Nurse
- Welder
- Park Ranger
- Independent Courier
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Outpatient Clinic RN
Highest-paying jobs in Waco, TX:
- Pharmacists
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Nurse Practitioners
- Dentists, General
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Chief Executives
- Sales Managers
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Pediatricians, General
- Family Medicine Physicians
9. Education in Waco Tx
Waco Independent School District (ISD) contains 25 schools and 14,428 students. The student-teacher ratio in Waco ISD is 14 to 1.
According to US News Education, Waco ISD is ranked #1,015 out of all 1,196 school districts in Texas based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data.
Here are some of the top schools in Waco, TX :
Public High Schools:
- Bosqueville High School
- Bill Logue Detention Center
- Robinson High School
- Midway High School
- China Spring High School
- Lorena High School
Private Schools:
- Vanguard College Preparatory School
- St. Louis Catholic School
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School
10. Top neighborhoods in Waco TX
here are some of the best neighborhoods in Waco, TX:
- Castle Heights is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for families in Waco. This local area has a bunch of local businesses jogging, and cycling parks for residents.
- University is Located in the South Side and has the majority of students and young crowd considering it has great schools which makes it perfect for moving to Waco with family.
- Brookview is located in the North Side which is a safe environment with various amenities making it a perfect family-friendly atmosphere.
- Woodway has a suburb vibe in McLennan County, just 5 miles outside of Waco. This area has a low crime rate and is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Waco for retired people.
- Austin Avenue is a neighborhood located in downtown Waco. This is where the young college crown tends to rent out apartments and lofts and enjoy the best nightlife in Waco.
11. Safe Places to live in Waco Tx
here are some of the safest places to live in Waco, TX:
- According to CrimeGrade, the northwest part of the city is one of the safest areas in Waco, with a chance of being a victim of crime as low as 1 in 39.
- As mentioned above Woodway is a lovely suburb considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Waco, with a low crime rate and a population of fewer than 9,000.
- Castle Heights.
- University: The University neighborhood is located on the South Side of Waco and is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
- Brookview is North Side and is among the neighborhoods in Waco for families.
12. Things to Do in Waco TX
Here are some of the things you can do in Waco:
- Visit Magnolia Market with your family to shop for home decor, clothing, and food trucks.
- Take a guided tour at Waco Mammoth National Monument and learn about the scientific world of prehistoric mammoths. This place features the actual remains of these ancient creatures.
- Go hiking, biking, or kayaking along the Brazos River and the trails at Cameron Park.
- Learn about the history of the iconic soft drink at the Dr Pepper Museum. Here you get to create your own soda flavor.
- Visit some of the local art galleries and enjoy the food scene with live performances in the Waco Downtown Cultural District.
- You can enjoy the Waco Family & Faith Film Festival and the Deep in the Heart Film Festival, which showcases short films and local filmmakers.
- Learn and watch the artifacts of legendary law enforcement work Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Spend a day at the Cameron Park Zoo with your kids and enjoy the interactive experiences.
- Visit the Mayborn Museum Complex which offers interactive exhibits on natural history, science, and cultural heritage.
- Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride along the famous Cotton Belt Trail which is a paved pathway that winds through Waco’s beautiful natural scenery.
13. Pros and Cons of Living in Waco TX
Here is a detailed table for the pros and cons of living in Waco, TX:
| Pros of Living in Waco, TX | Cons of Living in Waco, TX |
|---|---|
| Friendly and welcoming town | High crime rate |
| Numerous parks and recreation sites | High sales tax |
| Reasonable cost of living | High property tax |
| Lots of things to do and explore | Hot and humid summers |
| No state income tax | Limited public transportation |
| Race diversity | Limited job market compared to larger cities |
14. Cost of Moving to Waco TX
On average movers in Waco, TX, with prices ranging from $1,490 to $2,230 for long-distance moves. the typical cost for hiring movers in Waco, TX is $100 per hour.
Conclusion
Waco TX is a small-sized town offering a unique blend of big city amenities and a suburban feel. Its scenic landscapes, landmarks, soothing climate, an abundance of opportunities, and fun activities, make Waco a great place to move to in the US and to call home.
As you embark on your way to Waco, we hope that this blog post answers all your doubts and is filled with valuable information that helps you make up your mind for your move.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your stuff, and get ready to welcome the Texan vibe in Waco. In case you are interested in a move to some other Texan city, read our blog post, Relocating to Pasadena, TX to learn valuable insights of the city.