Waco, NC
Population 216 · North Carolina
About Waco, NC
Waco is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 216 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,250 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waco features a median home value of $93,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waco one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,077, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 128 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (72 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (18 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waco shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waco have an average one-way commute time of 28.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Waco residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waco, NC
Compared to national averages, Waco has a median household income of $31,250 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $93,100, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,077 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Waco's income is 52% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 59% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Waco, NC?
Waco offers affordable housing with a median home value of $93,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,077/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,250) that falls below the national average. However, Waco’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waco has a population of 216 with a median age of 55.3 years. Compare Waco with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Waco
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Waco
What is the population of Waco, NC?
The population of Waco, NC is 216 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Waco?
The median household income in Waco, NC is $31,250 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waco?
The median home value in Waco, NC is $93,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waco?
The median monthly rent in Waco, NC is $1,077, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waco?
The unemployment rate in Waco, NC is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waco, NC a good place to live?
Waco offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 216 and a median age of 55.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waco, NC?
10.9% of residents in Waco aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Waco?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waco, NC: median home value is $93,100 (62% below national), median rent is $1,077/month, and median household income is $31,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waco?
The poverty rate in Waco, NC is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waco, NC?
Waco's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 7.9% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.