Median Income
$56,875
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,600
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
40/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.7%
77% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.8%
117% 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
B
Median Income$56,875
Per Capita$23,511
Unemployment7.8%
Poverty8.5%
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,600
Ownership89.2%
Zillow$251,218
Housing Units68
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent40/100K
Property1,836/100K
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.2%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.1 in/yr
Sunny Days256/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
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations1
Is Waco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waco receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Waco has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waco is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 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.
Safety & Crime
Waco is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,836 per 100,000, near the national average.
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 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 256 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
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%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 65.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
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 7.8% (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 | 7.8% |
| 117% 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 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance.
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 | 65.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 63.9% |
| Dental Visits | 47.6% |
Food & Exercise
Waco has a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,836 per 100,000, 6% below the U.S. average. Overall, Waco receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 39.6/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,836.0/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waco enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.1 inches. The area receives 1.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 909 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.9°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 256 days/yr |
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
44.1"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Waco has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") 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.
Is Waco safe?
Waco is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 40 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,836 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waco receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waco?
Waco enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 256 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.1 inches, with 1.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Waco?
The unemployment rate in Waco is 7.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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. 7.1% lack health insurance (below 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. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 65.9% have health insurance coverage.
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