Waco, TX
Population 141,925 · Texas
About Waco, TX
Waco is a major city located in Texas with a population of 141,925 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,468 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waco features a median home value of $199,600, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waco in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,098, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 60,256 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (25,913 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (27,067 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waco shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 24.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waco have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Waco residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 26.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 9.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waco Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in Waco, TX
Compared to national averages, Waco has a median household income of $51,468 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,600, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,098 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Waco's income is 29% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 6% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Waco, TX?
Waco offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,098/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,468) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Waco provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Waco has a population of 141,925 with a median age of 29.2 years. Compare Waco with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Waco
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McAllen | 143,789 | $60,165 | $173,800 | Compare |
| Denton | 146,987 | $73,719 | $325,700 | Compare |
| Pasadena | 149,345 | $64,270 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Midland | 133,998 | $91,169 | $298,600 | Compare |
| Carrollton | 132,741 | $99,115 | $353,600 | Compare |
| Lewisville | 128,313 | $85,002 | $350,200 | Compare |
| Killeen | 156,144 | $58,339 | $196,000 | Compare |
| Abilene | 127,130 | $62,720 | $178,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Waco With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waco
What is the population of Waco, TX?
The population of Waco, TX is 141,925 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Waco?
The median household income in Waco, TX is $51,468 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waco?
The median home value in Waco, TX is $199,600, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Waco?
The median monthly rent in Waco, TX is $1,098, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waco?
The unemployment rate in Waco, TX is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live?
Waco offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 141,925 and a median age of 29.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Waco, TX?
28.6% 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, TX: median home value is $199,600 (18% below national), median rent is $1,098/month, and median household income is $51,468. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waco?
The poverty rate in Waco, TX is 24.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Waco, TX?
Waco's population is 26.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 19.9% two or more races. 9.8% of residents are foreign-born.