Skip to content

< Back to Hewitt Home

Detailed Information about Hewitt, TX

This document provides detailed information about Hewitt, Texas, including neighborhood information, crime rates, demographics, community information, and what the city is known for.

Neighborhood Information

Hewitt is a suburb of Waco, offering a suburban rural mix feel where most residents own their homes. The city has a variety of neighborhoods that appeal to different income groups, with homes ranging from the low $200,000s to master-planned luxury communities. Hewitt is known for its safe, family-friendly neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. Notable subdivisions and neighborhoods within Hewitt include:

  • Winter Park Estates — An established residential subdivision with active listings on major real estate platforms.
  • Sun Valley Estates Addition — A well-regarded neighborhood in the city's residential core.
  • Vail Highlands — A subdivision with homes along the Vail Highlands corridor.
  • Arrowhead Estates — A family-friendly neighborhood in the interior of the city.
  • Western Ridge Estates — Located toward the western edge of the city.
  • Woodland West — A residential area near the Woodway border.
  • Briarstown Village — A neighborhood in the northern part of the city.
  • Rolling Meadows — A quieter subdivision popular with families.

Crime Rates

Hewitt is considered a safe community relative to both state and national benchmarks. Based on FBI crime data (AreaVibes, 2024):

  • Total crime rate: 1,266 per 100,000 residents — 54% below the national average.
  • Violent crime rate: 154 per 100,000 (approximately 27 total incidents) — 55% below the national average.
  • Property crime rate: 1,112 per 100,000 (approximately 188 total incidents) — 54% below the national average.
  • Overall: Hewitt is safer than approximately 65% of U.S. cities and 70% of Texas cities.

A note on context: Hewitt's crime density is slightly above the national median per square mile due to its compact geographic footprint, but on a per-capita basis the city is considerably safer than average. Property crime (primarily theft) is the primary concern, while violent crime is rare. Year-over-year, total crime decreased 13% from 2023 to 2024.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Hewitt was 16,070, making it the second-largest city in McLennan County. The 2026 estimate is ~16,749, growing at approximately 0.26% annually. The city has a diverse population.

  • Racial Composition: The largest racial group is White (Non-Hispanic) at 67.1%, followed by Hispanic (21.0%) and Black or African American (6.4%).
  • Median Age: The median age is 37.1 years.
  • Income: The median household income is $83,798, which is higher than the state average.

History

Hewitt was established in 1882 when the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad built a switching station six miles south of Waco. The town was named for Thomas B. Hewitt, a Yale-educated attorney who managed the estate of original landowner John H. Brower. A post office opened in 1884, and by the 1890s Hewitt had a gristmill, cotton gin, and roughly 60–100 residents. Population peaked near 150 in the 1920s before declining sharply during the Great Depression era, falling to just 79 residents by the early 1960s.

The Hewitt ISD (formed 1895) merged with neighboring districts in 1947 to form the Midway Consolidated ISD. Residents voted to incorporate in 1960, electing George C. Baxley as the first mayor. Post-incorporation suburban growth accelerated rapidly:

  • Late 1960s: 286 residents
  • 1982: 5,247 residents, 56 businesses
  • 1990 census: 8,983 residents
  • 2000 census: 11,085 residents
  • 2020 census: 16,070 residents (second-largest city in McLennan County)

Hewitt was McLennan County's fastest-growing community throughout the 1980s, fueled by its location along I-35, proximity to Waco employers, low property taxes, and the appeal of the Midway ISD school system.

Community Information

Hewitt is a growing city with a strong sense of community. The city has a highly-rated public school system, the Midway Independent School District, which is a major draw for families. Hewitt offers a variety of community events and has a public library, a community center, and several parks. The city is also home to a number of businesses and has a growing commercial sector.

What Hewitt is Known For

Hewitt is known for being a desirable place to live with a high quality of life. The city has been recognized by Money magazine as one of the best places to live in the nation. Hewitt is also known for:

  • Excellent Schools: The Midway Independent School District is consistently ranked as one of the best in the state.
  • Proximity to Waco: Hewitt's location provides residents with easy access to the amenities of a larger city while maintaining a small-town feel.
  • Rapid Growth: The city has experienced significant population growth in recent decades, transforming from a small farming community to a thriving suburb.

Sources