Detailed Information about Heart of Texas, Waco¶

Neighborhood Information¶

Heart of Texas is a City of Waco recognized neighborhood on the western side of Waco, centered along Bosque Boulevard. The neighborhood is predominantly residential, consisting of single-story cottages and ranch-style homes built in the 1950s on lots under 0.25 acres. Bosque Boulevard serves as the commercial and transit spine of the area.

The neighborhood borders Woodway to the west and draws on the commercial corridor of Bosque Blvd for dining, retail, and services. There is no formal neighborhood association currently active.

Crime Rates¶

Crime Index: 142 (above U.S. average of 100)
Residents should be aware that crime rates in this area are above the national average, consistent with many urban Waco neighborhoods.
The surrounding Woodway border area (shared 76712 ZIP) has significantly lower crime rates.

Demographics¶

Population: Approximately 5,525 (2017 estimate)
Median Age: 32.4 years
Median Household Income: $35,187 — significantly below the Texas state average (~$73,000)
Per Capita Income: $18,035
Median Property Value: $169,500
Homeownership Rate: Approximately 50%

Recreation and Events¶

Extraco Events Center (H.O.T. Coliseum)¶

The Extraco Events Center at 4601 Bosque Blvd is the neighborhood's defining institution.

History: Opened April 11, 1953, funded by a $1.2 million McLennan County bond vote. At completion, it was the largest indoor arena in Texas.
Baylor Basketball: The coliseum served as the home of Baylor University men's basketball from its opening until the Ferrell Center opened in 1988.
Renovation: A $34 million renovation was completed after McLennan County voters approved the project in 2017.
Current Operations: Hosts more than 300 events per year with an estimated $60+ million annual economic impact on the Waco region.
Events hosted: Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo, livestock shows, concerts, graduations, trade shows, and more.

Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo¶

Held annually every October since 1953 (73rd annual in 2025)
Named the top PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) rodeo in 1974
2025: October 2–12, 2025 — new attractions included chuck wagon races, lumberjack show, Future of Magic Show, new food vendors, and a Mexican Rodeo Spectacular on October 12. Drew 200,000+ attendees.
Elvis Presley performed at the H.O.T. Coliseum on April 23, 1955 (during his Sun Records era) and returned in October 1956, drawing a crowd of approximately 4,000
One of the largest annual events in Central Texas; parking $20/vehicle

Community Information¶

Heart of Texas has no active neighborhood association as of the time of research. Community life is centered on Bosque Boulevard's commercial corridor, the churches along Bosque Blvd, and area schools. The neighborhood's proximity to Woodway gives residents convenient access to higher-end retail and dining without leaving the immediate area.