Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waco, TX
Thinking of moving to Waco, TX? With a population nearing 140,000, Waco offers affordable living, with median home prices around $197,000 and average rents near $1,035. Commute times are short at just under 18 minutes, and the city enjoys a warm, sunny climate with 62% sunny days each year. While crime rates are higher than average, Waco features strong educational options, including Baylor University, and a cost of living well below the national average—making it a great choice for budget-minded movers seeking Texas charm.
Demographics - Waco, TX
Waco is home to nearly 140,000 residents, featuring a young median age of 28.9 and a diverse community where Hispanic and Black residents make up over half the population. With about 20% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, newcomers will find a culturally rich environment. The city's moderate population density offers a blend of urban amenities and local charm.
Population:
139,594
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.9
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.4%
Black:
20.2%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
1.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waco, TX?
Waco boasts a cost of living index of 81.6, making it significantly more affordable than many U.S. cities. Median home values are around $197,000 and average rents are approximately $1,035, providing budget-friendly housing options. With no state income tax and reasonable utility costs, Waco is an attractive destination for cost-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$197,000
Gross Rent:
$1,035
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,470
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.6
Grocery:
83.2
Housing:
68.1
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
93.1
Miscellaneous:
90.3
Crime
Is Waco, TX a safe place to live?
Waco experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a property crime rate of 3,006 incidents per 100,000 and a violent crime rate of 439 per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 33 chance of experiencing property crime and a 1 in 228 chance of violent crime. It's advisable for newcomers to research neighborhoods and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
439
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,006
Crime Index:
3,445
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 228
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Waco, TX year-round?
Waco enjoys a warm climate, featuring hot summers with highs near 97°F and mild winters averaging around 59°F. The city receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 62% sunny days, making outdoor activities popular year-round. Seasonal temperature changes are moderate, supporting an active Texas lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical Waco households earn a median income of about $44,700, though the poverty rate is higher at 25.6%. Most residents enjoy short commute times of under 18 minutes and low public transport usage. Educational attainment is solid, with 81% holding a high school diploma or higher and nearly a quarter having a bachelor’s degree.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$44,700
Family Income:
$53,500
Per Capita Income:
$23,700
Income Male:
$30,800
Income Female:
$23,900
Poverty Rate:
25.6%
Non English Speakers:
19.8%
Rent:
$1,035
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
17.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.0%
Bachelors or More:
24.7%
Education
How are the schools in Waco, TX?
Waco offers a variety of educational options, including public schools like Waco High School and Mountainview Elementary, as well as private institutions such as Live Oak Classical School. Higher education is anchored by Baylor University, which enrolls over 20,000 students, and Texas State Technical College. Families and students will find quality learning environments at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Waco High School
Street:
2020 N 42nd St
Phone:
254-776-1150
Students:
1,810
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Mountainview Elementary School
Street:
5901 Bishop Dr
Phone:
254-772-2120
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Live Oak Classical School
Street:
500 N Hewitt Dr
Phone:
254-772-2122
Students:
340
Colleges
Name:
Baylor University
City:
Waco
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
20,600
Name:
Texas State Technical College – Waco
City:
Waco
State:
TX
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Waco is served by major hospitals like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest and Ascension Providence Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 82% of locals having health insurance, quality healthcare is accessible. The city's healthcare index of 67.2 reflects generally favorable medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
Address:
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, TX 76712
Phone:
(254) 202-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension Providence Hospital
Address:
6901 Medical Pkwy, Waco, TX 76712
Phone:
(254) 751-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.3%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waco, TX?
Waco's housing market is characterized by affordable median home prices near $197,000 and two-bedroom rents averaging $1,035. With an owner-occupied rate of 46.6% and a one-year home appreciation rate of 6.1%, the city offers both rental and ownership opportunities. The rental vacancy rate stands at 7.4%, giving newcomers a range of housing choices.
Median Home Price:
$197,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,035
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Waco are handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Austin. Residents can access services online or by calling the statewide DMV helpline. The process is streamlined for newcomers, making it easy to get on the road in Texas.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.