Median Income
$35,603
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$151,100
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$855
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Waco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population685
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density372/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,603
Per Capita$22,952
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$1,403M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$151,100
Rent$855
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$215,670
Health
Obesity34.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F
AQI44 (Good)
Rain53.5 in/yr
Elevation1,284 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+77.5%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 13%
Commute26 min
Libraries3
Is Waco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waco receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Waco offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waco is $35,603, 53% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waco is $151,100, 46% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $855 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Waco enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Waco has a population of 685 with a density of 372 people per square mile. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (85.1%).
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.6% |
| 73% below US avg |
The median household income in Waco is $35,603, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,603 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,952 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,255 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 619 |
| County GDP | $1,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Waco is $151,100, 46% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $855 (26% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,670.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,100 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,670 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $855 |
| 26% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.30% |
In Waco, 34.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.0% report depression. 24.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Waco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,727/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Crime Rates: Waco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Waco has an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 53.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.3°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 53.5 inches |
| 41% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,284 ft (391 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 372/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.7026°N, 85.1892°W |
| County FIPS | 13143 |