Is Waco Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waco

Waco, Texas, situated in McLennan County, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and burgeoning economic activity. This Central Texas city, located about halfway between Dallas and Austin, is experiencing growth and attracting new residents and businesses. Understanding the various facets of life in Waco, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and educational opportunities, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this dynamic area.

The city boasts a diverse population and a growing presence of higher education institutions, contributing to its evolving cultural landscape. As Waco continues to develop, it presents a compelling picture for those seeking a community with a strong sense of place and developing opportunities.

Is it Safe to Live in Waco?

Crime Overview

Waco’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with property crimes constituting the largest portion of incidents. In a typical year, the city’s crime rate is about 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to an average of 10.23 daily crimes, including 1.71 violent crimes and 8.52 property crimes.

More detailed statistics indicate that the violent crime rate in Waco is 6.399 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Waco varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 97 in central areas to 1 in 240 in the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The city’s BaseScore for crime is 26 out of 100, categorizing it as Tier 2, or low threat (as reported by Base Operations).

Violent and Property Crime Rates

When comparing specific crime categories, Waco’s rates for rape are significantly higher than the national average (as reported by Niche). However, rates for murder and robbery are below the national average (as reported by Niche).

Property crime rates in Waco are also higher than the national average. Burglary rates are 294.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 500.1 (as reported by Niche). Theft rates stand at 1,626.4 per 100,000 residents, versus the national average of 2,042.8 (as reported by Niche). Motor vehicle theft rates are 205.1 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 284 (as reported by Niche).

Cost of Living in Waco

Housing Expenses

The cost of living in Waco is generally lower than the national average, with housing being a significant factor in this affordability. Housing expenses in Waco are approximately 19.3% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The average rent in Waco is around $1,049 per month, which is about 36% lower than the national average rent (as reported by Apartments.com).

For those looking to buy, the average listing price for a home in Waco is $450,926, which is 15.6% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for a studio apartment averages $1,007 per month, a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,049 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment can be expected to cost approximately $1,357 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Three-bedroom rentals can go for $1,544 or more (as reported by Apartments.com).

Overall Affordability

Waco’s overall cost of living is about 9.7% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This is further supported by data indicating that groceries are about 8.1% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Transportation costs are also lower, about 9.7% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

To live comfortably in Waco as a single adult with no dependents, an annual salary of approximately $63,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com). For a married couple with young children, the estimated monthly expenses are around $6,901 (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Waco’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers across various sectors. Higher education is a significant contributor, with institutions like Baylor University and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) being among the top employers (as reported by Waco Economic Development and hotcog). Healthcare is another cornerstone, with Ascension Providence Hospital and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest being major employers (as reported by hotcog and workinWACO).

Other key industries include advanced manufacturing, with companies such as Cargill and Zinkpower having operations in the area (as reported by Waco Economic Development). The aerospace and defense sector is also robust, featuring companies like L3Harris (as reported by Waco Economic Development). Retail giants like H-E-B and Walmart also play a substantial role in the local employment landscape (as reported by hotcog).

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in the Heart of Texas region, which includes Waco, was 4.5% in August 2025 (as reported by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas). This rate is in line with the national average of 4.5% for the same period (as reported by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas). The unemployment rate for McLennan County specifically was 4.4% in August 2025 (as reported by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas).

The average annual salary in Waco is approximately $47,719 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $22.94 per hour. However, salary ranges can vary significantly by occupation, with some positions, like Anesthesiology Physician, potentially earning much higher salaries (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources suggest a broader average salary for jobs in Waco, Texas, around $62,007 per year, or $30 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Climate in Waco

Temperatures

Waco experiences a subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and very hot, muggy summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 47.5°F, while July, the warmest month, averages 85.6°F (as reported by NOAA and myPerfectWeather). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 35°F to 97°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers can be intense, with high temperatures often exceeding 90°F and occasional spikes reaching over 100°F, particularly in July and August (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Weather & Climate). The hottest days can reach and exceed 40°C (104°F) (as reported by Weather & Climate). Winters are generally mild, with average daily highs in January around 59°F and lows around 39°F (as reported by Weather & Climate).

Rainfall and Humidity

Waco receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 38 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Precipitation levels vary seasonally, with May often being the wettest month, receiving around 3.9 inches of rain (as reported by Weather & Climate). October also sees significant rainfall, averaging about 132 mm (5.2 inches) (as reported by Weather & Climate).

The driest month is typically July, with an average of 1.5 inches of rain (as reported by Weather & Climate). The air in Waco can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months, from June to August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from October to June generally experiences a higher chance of wet days, while the period from late June to mid-October is drier (as reported by Weather & Climate).

Education in Waco

School District Performance

Waco Independent School District (ISD) serves a large student population, with approximately 13,517 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (as reported by Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, about 23% of students are proficient in math and 31% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Waco ISD is ranked among the middle tier of school districts in Texas, with an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). The district is noted for its diversity, ranking #399 out of 888 in Texas for diversity (as reported by Niche). However, its average testing ranking is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas, with math proficiency at 24% and reading proficiency at 32% (as reported by Public School Review).

Notable Schools and Higher Education

Within Waco, several schools stand out for their performance. Midway Independent School District, which serves some Waco-area students, includes Midway High School, rated 4.09 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Private institutions like Vanguard College Preparatory School (rated 4.7 out of 5) and Live Oak Classical School (rated 4.24 out of 5) also serve the community (as reported by Niche).

Waco is also home to significant higher education institutions. Baylor University, a major research university, is a large employer and educational hub (as reported by hotcog). Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and McLennan Community College are also key educational providers, offering vocational and associate degree programs that support the local workforce (as reported by Waco Economic Development).

Demographics of Waco

Population and Diversity

Waco is home to a population of approximately 144,000 people (as reported by Data USA). The city is currently growing at a rate of about 1.02% annually (as reported by Population 2026). The population has increased by over 6% since the 2020 census (as reported by Population 2026).

The racial and ethnic composition of Waco is diverse. White, Non-Hispanic residents make up the largest group, followed by Hispanic or Latino individuals, and then Black or African American residents (as reported by Data USA). White residents constitute about 44.9% of the population, Hispanic or Latino individuals about 29.9%, and Black or African American residents about 19.9% (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Age and Education

The median age in Waco is around 29.7 years, with a slightly younger median age for males at 28.4 years and a slightly older median age for females at 31.1 years (as reported by Population 2026). A notable portion of the population is within the 18-34 age range, indicating a significant young adult demographic (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Educational attainment in Waco shows that a substantial percentage of adults have completed some college or hold an associate’s degree (about 31% according to Niche). High school diplomas are held by approximately 27% of adults, while 17% have a bachelor’s degree (as reported by Niche). Less than high school completion is around 14% (as reported by Niche).