Hewitt, Texas¶
Hewitt is a rapidly growing city in McLennan County, recognized as the second-largest city in the county and one of the best places to live in Texas. It is situated south of Waco and is a key part of the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Overview¶
- Population: Approximately 16,070 residents (2020 census); 2026 estimate is ~16,749, growing at ~0.26% annually. The city has experienced a roughly 700-percent population boom since the 1970s.
- Community Feel: Hewitt offers a blend of suburban and rural living. A majority of residents (around 68%) own their homes, and the community is known for being quiet and family-friendly.
- Resident Profile: The city attracts many families and young professionals, with residents tending to lean conservative.
Key Characteristics¶
- Schools: Served by the highly-rated Midway Independent School District (MISD). For a detailed list, see the Hewitt Schools file.
- Housing: The median home value is approximately $252,200 (2023 data), with a median rent of about $1,538.
- Economy: The median household income is approximately $83,798. The city has a strong economic base, historically rooted in farming and agriculture.
- Growth: Hewitt was incorporated in 1960 and is the fastest-growing community in McLennan County, growing from 286 residents in the late 1960s to over 16,000 today.
History¶
Hewitt was established in 1882 when the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad (MKT/"Katy" Railroad) built a switching station approximately six miles south of Waco. The town was named for Thomas B. Hewitt, a Yale-educated attorney who managed the estate of landowner John H. Brower. A post office opened in 1884. Through the early 20th century, Hewitt remained a small agricultural community with a cotton gin, gristmill, and fewer than 150 residents. The Hewitt ISD, formed in 1895, merged with neighboring districts in 1947 to become the Midway Consolidated ISD. Residents voted to incorporate in 1960, electing George C. Baxley as the first mayor. Post-incorporation growth accelerated rapidly as Waco commuters sought suburban housing along the I-35 corridor, transforming Hewitt from a small farming town into McLennan County's second-largest city.
Detailed Information¶
For more detailed information on neighborhoods, crime rates, and demographics, see the Hewitt Details file.
Economy and Major Employers¶
For a detailed overview of the economic landscape and major employers for Hewitt, see the Hewitt Major Employers file.
Amenities and Lifestyle¶
- Reputation: In 2015, Hewitt was rated the 20th-best place to live in the United States by Money magazine, and ranked #1 on their list of "Great Places to Stretch a Dollar."
- Local Life: The city is known for its wide assortment of restaurants and places to live. While it maintains a relatively quiet atmosphere, it provides plenty of activities within Hewitt and the greater Waco area.
- Location: Hewitt borders the cities of Robinson, Woodway, and Waco, providing residents with easy access to the amenities of the larger metropolitan area.
For a detailed list of events in Hewitt, see the Hewitt Events file.
Food and Dining¶
For a detailed list of notable restaurants in Hewitt, see the Hewitt Restaurants file.
Healthcare¶
For hospitals, urgent care, and specialty care serving the Hewitt area, see the Healthcare Directory.
Grocery & Shopping¶
For HEB locations, shopping centers, and retail options, see the Grocery & Shopping Guide.
Utilities & Internet¶
For electricity providers, internet options, and utility setup, see the Utilities & Internet Guide.
Traffic & Commute¶
For commute times, I-35 construction updates, and road corridors, see the Traffic & Commute Guide.
Childcare & Daycares¶
For licensed daycares, Primrose School, MDO programs, and pre-K options in the Midway ISD zone, see the Childcare & Daycares Guide. Note: Midway ISD no longer offers PK3 — private options are needed for 3-year-olds.
Housing & Real Estate¶
For home prices, rent ranges, new construction, property tax rates, and buyer guidance across the metro, see the Housing & Real Estate Guide.
Religious Community¶
For a detailed list of churches in Hewitt, see the Hewitt Churches file.
Buildings & Rentable Spaces¶
For event venues, school facilities, commercial buildings for lease, and options for large gatherings (100+ capacity), see the Hewitt Buildings & Rentable Spaces file.