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City

Waco

#7 in Best Places to Live in McLennan County
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • City in Texas
  • 460 reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    B
  2. Crime & Safety
    C
  3. Housing
    C+
  4. Nightlife
    B+
  5. Good for Families
    B
  6. Diversity
    A+
  7. Jobs
    B-
  8. Weather
    A-
  9. Cost of Living
    B+
  10. Health & Fitness
    C+
  11. Outdoor Activities
    B
  12. Commute
    A-
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Population
130,659

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$98,800
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$770
National
$949
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Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    55%
  • Own
    45%

Waco Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Crime & Safety

Crime & Safety
C
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Assault
    306
    283
  • Murder
    3
    6
  • Rape
    59
    41
  • Robbery
    117
    136
Property Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Burglary
    812
    500
  • Theft
    2,727
    2,043
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
    110
    284

Residents

Diversity
A+
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Median Household Income
$34,099
National
$55,322
Children
20%
Education Levels
National
  • Master's degree or higher
    8%
    12%
  • Bachelor's degree
    13%
    19%
  • Some college or associate's degree
    31%
    29%
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    28%
    28%
  • Less than high school diploma
    20%
    13%
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges

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Waco Reviews

460 reviews
All Categories
I love Waco and have seen it grow over my 27 years here. There are a lot of important political and social ideals being cultivated here as well as a unique atmosphere for student growth. We are more than a spot for tourism, and I think that Waco needs to begin to focus more on public transportation. If we invest in better bus systems with more flexible schedules and stops we will be able to reduce the traffic that is being brought into our town by our 3 colleges and the tourism from Magnolia Market. This will help people be more willing to move to the area and will bring large amounts of jobs to Waco!
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Ive spent countless weekends in Waco during my 10 years in Texas and I've always had a good time. The city of Waco has a lot to offer for family activities and attractions. The Cameron Park Zoo is very affordable and is a lovely medium sized zoo. The barbecue at Rudy's Country Store restaurant is a must every trip. When we stay overnight we like the Waco Hilton, as long as it isn't a big Baylor football weekend! Those weekends we do our best to avoid Waco because it feels like it is bursting at the seams during football season. Graduation weekend should be avoided too. The locals are much friendlier and always willing to help. Overall, there are enough attractions, restaurants and shopping to get us excited each time we visit Waco. RECOMMENDED FOR Families
Because I am from the Waco area, I can be a little bias in my rating. Although I must say, Waco is flourishing.! I have lived in Waco for 20 years and I love it. Its located in the heart of Central Texas and is a comfortable place to raise a family. There are various activities and attractions you can experience in Waco. Its definitely worth a visit!