Considering a move between Waco and The Woodlands? Or trying to decide which suits your family better? Waco News has compiled the side-by-side data that matters — demographics, schools, employers, cost of living, and the practical details that determine quality of life in each.
| Category | Waco | The Woodlands |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,000+ | 116,000+ |
| Median household income | $45,000 | $133,000 |
| County | McLennan County | Montgomery County |
| State | Texas | Texas |
| Time zone | Central (CT) | Central (CT) |
| Climate | humid subtropical | humid subtropical |
| School district | Waco ISD | Conroe ISD |
| Nearest airport | Waco Regional | IAH |
| Major highways | I-35, US-77 | I-45, Hardy Toll, TX-99 |
Waco has a population of approximately 143,000+, while The Woodlands has approximately 116,000+. Both are in Texas.
Waco median household income is $45,000, compared to $133,000 in The Woodlands.
Waco students are served primarily by Waco ISD, while The Woodlands families typically attend Conroe ISD. Both districts have a mix of public, charter, and private school options. Families relocating between the two cities often cite school quality as a primary factor.
Waco has notable employers including Baylor University, Baylor Scott & White, L3Harris, while The Woodlands's economy is anchored by ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, HP Enterprise.
Real estate prices vary significantly between the two cities, with median home values reflecting demand, school district quality, and proximity to employment centers. Waco typically trends slightly lower in housing prices compared to The Woodlands, though specific neighborhoods within each city can deviate substantially.
Waco and The Woodlands share similar humid subtropical climate patterns. Waco typically experiences humid subtropical, while The Woodlands sees humid subtropical.
Waco is served by I-35, US-77 with Waco Regional as its closest airport. The Woodlands sits along I-45, Hardy Toll, TX-99 with IAH. Commute times and traffic patterns will vary based on where you work.
The right choice depends on your priorities. Consider:
Waco News covers Waco in depth. For The Woodlands, see our sister sites in the Nexcom Media network.
Subscribe to Waco News →This side-by-side comparison is curated by Waco News — an independent local news outlet part of the Nexcom Media network. Data is updated periodically. For corrections or updates, email editor@nexcom.media.
Local guides, business directory, and how to reach our readers.
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.
Baylor great Robert Griffin III is among 80 former FBS players on the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot after a record-setting career in Waco.
The sounds of sneaker squeaks fill the La Vega gym in the third annual "Train Like a Champ" camp.Watch the full story here: The Pirates of tomorrow: La Vega's Marcus Willis Sr hosts basketball campFor head coach Marcus Willis Sr. the mind behind the camp, he tells me that this...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Cultivate Waco is a prominent cultural hub and community arts movement dedicated to promoting local artists, fine art, and entrepreneurship! The organization is entering an exciting new chapter, and this starts with its upcoming Art-to-Table Dinner...
Waco, TX (FOX 44) - As part of Nexstar Media Group's 30 Days of Giving, the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation awarded $5,000 grants to nonprofits nationwide - and we at FOX 44 selected an organization that holds special meaning for our team. It's the first year of the Nexstar...
Qualifying McLennan County residents can apply to have certain criminal records expunged on July 17.
The question,is Anthony Odiong still a priest, has been raised following his sentencing and sexual assault trial.The Diocese of Austin provided the below statement to25Newson Tuesday after Odiong's sentencing:As of today, Anthony Odiong is still a priest, however he is prevented...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) -- For the third year in a row, young hoopers got the chance to 'Train like a champ' with some of La Vega's best, both past and present, helping to train the younger generation. "Just the opportunity to continue to impact lives, you can see these youth...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - On this National Adopt a Cat Month, we'll share how the bond between people and their feline companions can bring comfort, a sense of purpose, and unconditional love. Although many people set out to give a cat a second chance, they often find that the...
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...
The El Paso tent camp has seen at least three detainee deaths, a measles outbreak and nearly 50 detention standards violations in less than a year of operation.
Argentina and Honduras will face off Saturday at Kyle Field in a World Cup friendly that is part of the Road to the 2026 World Cup, hosted by North American countries. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CITY PREP WORLD CUPThe match features living legend Lionel Messi, who led Argentina...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Baylor legend Robert Griffin III has been named to the 2027 ballot for consideration of induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. This was announced by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. According to Baylor...
Neighbors near Gibbons Creek are calling for more information on a proposed reinvestment zone tied to the SpaceX Terafab project ahead of a Wednesday, June 3 vote by the Grimes County Commissioners Court.Watch the full story here: More information needed: More information...
A man accused of abusing a dog in a viral video has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to animal cruelty.
Temple Mall, now in its 50th anniversary year, faces a potential temporary closure as the city issued a compliance notice for fire and safety issues. Many spaces inside the mall are vacant or closed off, but the community still shows up and many say they hope to see it thrive...
CENTRAL TEXAS (FOX 44) - If you know someone in McLennan, Bell, Coryell, or Falls County who could use a helping hand with home improvements or repairs, you can nominate them for the Love Thy Neighbor home improvement giveaway program! Gage Construction is giving back, and...
A developer is working to purchase 175 acres along County Road 179 to build a data center, and neighbors say they stand to lose a lot.Watch the full story here: Unwanted neighbor: local residents speak out against a proposed data center in Grimes CountyRobert Raley, a local...
Waco residents are being asked to avoid the area of McKenzie Avenue and N. 21st Street as crews respond to a gas line break.
McLENNAN COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) - Food insecurity is a large concern in the U.S., with 14 million children not having enough food to live a healthy life. Here in Central Texas, Pack of Hope is here to help erase hunger. You can find out more in our interview above.
As data centers continue to pop up across Central Texas, they appear to be dividing local voters and reshaping political debates in cities and counties across the region. "Were giving billions away to already billion-dollar companies," said Linda Pauley. Neighbors have been...
Bell County commissioners met on Monday to discuss future action on data centers, but officials say their jurisdiction is largely limited to tax abatement. The court is looking at incorporating conditions into its term sheet for large-scale entities wanting a tax abatement....
Bell and McLennan Counties have received grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife to fund trail projects.
Texas colleges largely received a passing grade on enforcing the state's diversity, equity and inclusion ban, according to a Texas Tribune report but not all students are convinced the law is working as intended.Maxwell Chapman, a Texas college student, said the debate over...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - It's that time of year again - with hurricane season now underway. With the Gulf so close to Texas, preparation is key. This includes staying weather-aware, reviewing your emergency plans, and making sure your family is ready as we move deeper into the...
Waco Police said a missing man has been found and is safe.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - The Waco Fire Department and Atmos Energy are responding to gas line break on McKenzie Avenue. The Waco Fire Department said on Monday afternoon that units and its Hazmat Team responded to the corner of N. 21st Street and McKenzie Avenue. This was due to a...
McLENNAN COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) - Preparing for hurricanes is essential in saving lives, protecting your property and surviving prolonged power and supply outages. McLennan County Emergency Management Coordinator Ryan Durga shares how we can be well-prepared for hurricane...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Every week, FOX 44 will be featuring a furry friend up for adoption through the Humane Society of Central Texas. You can take a look at Pipsqueak in the video above! If you're thinking about adopting this furry friend, you can contact the Humane Society of...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – As construction continues on the My35 Waco South Construction Project, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing to remove the northbound I-35 bridge over Irving Lee Street, marking the final northbound bridge removal along I-35. To...
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,...
The Waco Independent Film Festival returns this July.The 2026 festival will feature more than 160 projects. The festival announced official selections on June 1.You can view the selections here.Categories include: Spotlight films Feature film Crowd Pleasers Deep Dives Family...
Mart's police chief has been fired, Mayor James Miller said.Miller said the city is working to move forward following the dismissal."We're trying to make the best of a bad situation, " Miller said, saying that the department is focused on recovery. "We're just picking up the...
Lacy Lakeview, a Waco suburb, said it is considering a data center project in efforts to boost their spending power to repair aging roads.
A Killeen family is speaking out about teen vaping after watching their daughter struggle with what they believe were physical and emotional effects tied to vaping.Watch the full story here: 'It really opened my eyes': Central Texas family speaks out about teen vaping after...
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...
Free weekly digest. Local news that actually matters — no spam, no clickbait, easy unsubscribe.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy. We never sell your data.