Everything you need to know about Waco — from demographics, schools, and employers to things to do and tips for moving here. Curated by Waco News for residents, newcomers, and anyone considering a move to Waco.
Waco, Texas is a historic Central Texas city along the Brazos River, midway between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. Home to Baylor University, Magnolia Market at the Silos, and a vibrant cultural scene, Waco combines university-town energy with a rich Texas heritage that stretches back to its founding in 1849.
Waco was established in 1849 on the site of a Waco Indian village along the Brazos River. The city grew as a cotton trading post and gained prominence with the founding of Baylor University in 1845 (relocated to Waco in 1886). Today, Waco is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Texas, anchored by Magnolia Market and a thriving downtown revival.
Like many Texas communities, Waco is a mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals drawn by jobs, schools, and quality of life. Census data shows steady growth over the past decade, with the strongest demographic shifts in younger families, working professionals, and remote workers relocating from larger metros.
The Waco area has experienced steady population change as Texas continues to attract residents from other states. The local cost of living, school quality, and proximity to larger employment hubs are commonly cited reasons for new arrivals.
Waco is served by Waco ISD, Midway ISD, China Spring ISD, Connally ISD and has a mix of public, charter, and private school options. Families relocating to the area typically prioritize school quality alongside commute and housing.
Primary school district: Waco ISD, Midway ISD, China Spring ISD, Connally ISD
Higher education nearby: Baylor University, McLennan Community College, Texas State Technical College
The Waco economy is anchored by local healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, and small-to-medium professional services. Many residents commute to nearby metropolitan job centers while working remotely or in local industries.
Healthcare in the Waco area is provided by a mix of regional hospital systems, urgent care clinics, specialty practices, and dental and vision offices. See our <a href="/best-of-doctors">best doctors</a> and <a href="/best-of-dentists">best dentists</a> guides for community-recommended providers.
Waco offers a mix of outdoor recreation, dining, family-friendly activities, and community events year-round. Whether you're a long-time local or visiting for a weekend, there's no shortage of things to fill an afternoon or a long weekend.
Waco real estate spans single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and rental options across a range of price points. Recent market conditions favor balanced buyer-seller dynamics, with median prices reflecting steady demand from local and out-of-state buyers.
For help finding the right agent, see our best real estate agents in Waco guide.
Waco is accessible by car via major highways and state routes connecting it to surrounding cities and the regional airport(s). Local traffic is moderate compared to major metros, and most daily errands are within a 10-15 minute drive.
Nearest airport: Waco Regional Airport (ACT) and DFW/AUS within 90 minutes
Major highways: I-35, US-77, US-84, TX-6
Waco city government oversees zoning, public works, parks, library services, and local code enforcement. County-level services (sheriff, property tax, voter registration) are handled by McLennan.
Waco has a humid subtropical climate typical of Texas. Summers are warm to hot, winters are mild, and the area receives moderate rainfall year-round. See <a href="/weather-today">today's weather</a> for current conditions.
Whether you're relocating from across the state or across the country, Waco offers a relatively easy transition. Common considerations for newcomers include school enrollment, vehicle registration with Texas, voter registration, and connecting utilities through Waco Utility Services (water/sewer), Oncor (electric distribution), Atmos Energy (gas).
The Waco area is covered by ZIP codes 76701, 76704, 76705, 76706, 76707, 76708, 76710, 76711, 76712. These codes determine your school zone, voting precinct, and some utility service boundaries.
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Subscribe to Waco News →This guide is curated by Waco News, an independent local news outlet that is part of the Nexcom Media network. We update it periodically to reflect current demographics, school district boundaries, employer changes, and major civic developments. If you spot something out of date or have a suggestion, email editor@nexcom.media.
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Recent reporting and curated coverage across every beat we cover.
A jury sentenced Anthony Odiong to life in prison Tuesday after being found guilty of sexually assaulting several women. Prosecutors say the full number of victims may never be known. A Waco priest, Anthony Odiong, was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday after a jury convicted...
A McLennan County jury sentenced Anthony Odiong to life in prison after finding him guilty on multiple counts of sexual assault.
Anthony Odiong has been sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of multiple sexual assault charges.
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Qualifying McLennan County residents can apply to have certain criminal records expunged on July 17.
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IRVING / WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - A local organization has received a nice gift through the latest initiative of our parent company Nexstar Media Group, Inc.! The company announced on Tuesday that the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation is making a $5,000 contribution to the...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — UPDATE: A jury has assessed former Catholic Priest Anthony Odiong two 20 year sentences and two $10,000 fines, plus life imprisonment for a first class charge. This comes after Odiong spent a week in court for his sex crimes. On Friday, the jury found...
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Waco Police said a missing man has been found and is safe.
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Bryan city leaders brought in an outside consultant to review the fire department's operations, examining what's working, what isn't, and how to strengthen the organization moving forward.Watch the full story here: Bryan fire department review aims to improve communication,...
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Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to Texas colleges and universities directing them to keep undergraduate tuition and fees frozen through the 2026-2027 school year. At McLennan Community College in Waco, that directive aligns with a commitment the school has already been living...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — After a jury found Waco Priest Anthony Odiong guilty on all charges, it is now time for that jury to decide on his punishment. Odiong is facing one count of first degree felony sexual assault and two counts of second degree felony sexual assault. The...
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Tyler Robinson’s defense hoped to bar reporters and the public from parts of July 6-10 proceedings.
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