Median Income
$80,417
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$140,000
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
25/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.4%
8% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Waco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population155
Median Age61.4 yrs
Density620/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,417
Per Capita$54,250
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,248M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,000
Ownership98.9%
Zillow$176,565
Housing Units101
Rent Burden20.1%
Crime
F
Violent25/100K
Property2,733/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking14.4%
Depression16.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,622 ft (494 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.4%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+20.9%
School Score6.31
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries1
Is Waco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waco receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. 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 $80,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waco is $140,000, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x 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 25 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waco experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Waco has a population of 155 with a density of 620 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 61.4 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.4yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Waco is $80,417, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,250 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 646 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,417 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,250 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,151 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 646 |
| County GDP | $1,248M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,856 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Waco is $140,000, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,565, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 101 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,856 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,000 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,565 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.1% |
| Housing Units | 101 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,856 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.47% |
In Waco, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 16.9% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,295. The dentist ratio is 1:1,595. 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 16.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,295 |
| Dentists | 1:1,595 |
| Mental Health | 1:552 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Waco has a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waco receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 25.0/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,733.4/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waco experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,622 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,622 ft (494 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 620/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8970°N, 97.4617°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | York County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
60 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 26, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
135 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
6 km N of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
781 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 618 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
86 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK CREEK (1,433 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,433 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Waco has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waco
What is the population of Waco?
Waco has a population of 155 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 620 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Waco expensive to live in?
Waco is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,417, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,000 (50% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, 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 25 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waco receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waco?
Waco has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Waco?
The job market in Waco is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 646 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waco?
The median home value in Waco is $140,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,565. The homeownership rate is 98.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,856.
How are the schools in Waco?
Schools in Waco score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.4% of adults in Waco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 20.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waco?
The obesity rate in Waco is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 16.9% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,295.
What is transportation like in Waco?
The average commute in Waco is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waco?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waco is 96.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.2% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
