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McGregor, Texas

McGregor is a town located on the outskirts of Waco, in western McLennan County, with a portion extending into Coryell County. It is considered one of the best places to live in the Waco area.

Overview

  • Population: 5,321 (2020 census); 2023 ACS estimate ~5,608; 2025 projection ~6,361 at approximately 3.3%/yr growth — driven by SpaceX and industrial expansion.
  • Community Feel: McGregor offers a sparse suburban, small-town feel. It is described as a safe, inviting, and tranquil community, providing an escape from city life. A majority of residents (around 69%) own their homes.
  • Resident Profile: The community is home to many families, and residents tend to be conservative.

Key Characteristics

  • Demographics: White (Non-Hispanic) 51.5%, Hispanic ~39.5%, Black ~4.3%, multiracial ~4.3% (2023 ACS).
  • Economy: The median household income is approximately $60,889 (2023 ACS). The city's economy is anchored by a rapidly growing industrial park featuring SpaceX (aerospace testing, 800–1,000+ employees), Knauf Insulation (opened October 2024, ~200 jobs), and EFC Gases & Advanced Materials ($210M semiconductor facility, under construction, 120+ jobs).
  • Housing: Median home value approximately $175,906 (2023 ACS); current market listing prices are substantially higher (~$322K–$377K reflecting the industrial growth premium).
  • Education: The public schools in McGregor are highly rated. The city is served by the McGregor Independent School District.

For a detailed list of schools in McGregor, see the McGregor Schools file.

Economy and Major Employers

For a detailed overview of the economic landscape and major employers for McGregor, see the McGregor Employment file.

Detailed Information

For more detailed information on neighborhoods, crime rates, and demographics, see the McGregor Details file.

Amenities and Lifestyle

For a detailed list of events in McGregor, see the McGregor Events file.

  • Location: McGregor is located about 17 miles southwest of Waco, providing a balance between small-town living and access to the amenities of a larger city.
  • Community Life: The town has a strong sense of community, with local spots like a city pool, parks, and small businesses that serve as community hubs.

Food and Dining

For a detailed list of notable restaurants in McGregor, see the McGregor Restaurants file.

Religious Community

For a detailed list of churches in McGregor, see the McGregor Churches file.

June 2026 Updates

Updated June 2026 — SpaceX lawsuit details confirmed; additional worker safety lawsuit filed; SpaceX expanding elsewhere in Texas.

  • SpaceX Resident Lawsuit — Full Details (Filed April 30, 2026): The 76-plaintiff lawsuit was filed April 30, 2026 in Waco's 414th State District Court by attorneys Martinez & Tijerina P.L.L.C. (Brownsville). The 76 plaintiffs represent 58 homes in McLennan and Coryell counties: 29 in McGregor, 13 in Moody, 13 in Oglesby, and 3 in Crawford. The complaint cites SpaceX's Raptor 3 engines exceeding 600,000 lbs of thrust during testing — because the engines are rigidly tethered and cannot expend energy by lifting a vehicle, the energy is driven outward as "a concussive, airborne acoustic wave and a sustained, ground-borne seismic tremor." More than 20 tests were recorded over five days in one example. The city had previously fined SpaceX up to $25,000 for violating the city's 10:00 p.m. noise curfew. Damages sought: $1 million or more. Jury trial requested. SpaceX has not responded. Sources: KWTX, San Antonio Express-News, KCENTV.

  • Worker Safety Lawsuit — Liquid Methane Incident: A separate lawsuit was filed in McLennan County alleging SpaceX negligence after a tanker truck driver, Thaddeus Barideaux, was "doused in liquid methane" during a June 2024 fuel delivery at the McGregor site when SpaceX's equipment malfunctioned. Barideaux suffered chemical burns and permanent nerve damage. Damages sought: $1 million to $100 million. Source: San Antonio Express-News.

  • SpaceX Grimes County Expansion (Unrelated to McGregor): A separate SpaceX facility — a semiconductor/advanced computing fabrication facility estimated at $55–119 billion — is being proposed for Grimes County near Bryan/College Station. This is distinct from the McGregor test complex.

Spring 2026 Updates

Updated May 2026 — SpaceX lease renewal, noise dispute, and resident lawsuit.

  • SpaceX Lease Renewed: The City of McGregor renewed its lease agreement with SpaceX for the Rocket Development and Test Facility. The new terms, reported by the Waco Tribune-Herald, include stricter noise-level restrictions for rocket engine tests and increased revenue for the city — a direct response to years of community pressure over sonic impacts.

  • Resident Lawsuit Filed: On April 30, 2026, a group of 76 homeowners in McLennan and Coryell counties filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, represented by their attorneys, alleging that static fire rocket engine testing causes foundation cracking, structural damage, and shattered windows (see KCENTV). The plaintiffs are seeking damages of $1 million or more. The case reflects growing tension between SpaceX's test operations and the surrounding residential community.

  • NASA Moon Return Testing: SpaceX's McGregor facility continues as a key testing site for Raptor engines supporting NASA's Artemis moon return program, reinforcing the facility's national strategic significance (see NASA).

Sources