Median Income
$56,875
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,600
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.7%
77% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
14.3%
297% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
31% lower than US avg
How Waco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population190
Median Age46.7 yrs
Density731/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans14.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$56,875
Per Capita$23,511
Unemployment14.3%
Poverty8.5%
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,600
Ownership89.2%
Zillow$251,218
Housing Units68
Rent Burden27.9%
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured35.3%
Smoking14.2%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain45.3 in/yr
Elevation909 ft (277 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.7%
High School+72.0%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband91.9%
EV Stations1
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 affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, 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 $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.3%, unemployment is notably high. 8.5% 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 $115,600, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
7.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waco enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches, including 7.8 inches of snow.
Waco has a population of 190 with a density of 731 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 46.7 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 14.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 64.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
190
Total Population
2023 Census
46.7yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Waco is $56,875, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,511 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 14.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,875 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,511 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.3% |
| 297% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Waco is $115,600, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,218, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,600 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,218 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.8% |
| Housing Units | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
In Waco, 31.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 16.0% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 35.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Waco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 64.7% |
| Uninsured | 35.3% |
| 310% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 63.9% |
| Dental Visits | 47.6% |
Food & Exercise
Waco enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. The area receives 7.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 909 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.1°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 909 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 731/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2470°N, 94.5994°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.3"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.94"
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
132 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
104 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
596 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 224 fatalities, 2,113 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
22 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
55 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
48 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
46 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
33 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
36 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
37 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
51 km |
7 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,424 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
85 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
73 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
56 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
100 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
61 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
72 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
30 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
912 |
63 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
91 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
581 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
WALNUT GROVE |
540 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Waco has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.9") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Waco. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Waco
What is the population of Waco?
Waco has a population of 190 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 731 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Waco expensive to live in?
Waco is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,600 (59% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Waco?
Waco enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.3 inches, with 7.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Waco?
The job market in Waco faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waco?
The median home value in Waco is $115,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,218. The homeownership rate is 89.2%.
How are the schools in Waco?
Schools in Waco score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.7% of adults in Waco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.0% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waco?
The obesity rate in Waco is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 35.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Waco?
The average commute in Waco is 26 minutes. 65.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waco?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waco is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 14.8% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 64.7% have health insurance coverage.