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Richland Hills, Waco, Texas

Richland Hills is a neighborhood within the city of Waco, located in northwestern Waco near North Valley Mills Drive and Richland Mall. It is officially recognized by the City of Waco Neighborhood Engagement Office and is part of the 76710 zip code. Unlike Beverly Hills, Richland Hills is not an incorporated city — it is a Waco neighborhood with its own distinct character.

Overview

  • Population: Approximately 4,928 residents (neighborhood-level estimate).
  • Community Feel: Richland Hills has a dense, urban character with a high proportion of renters (approximately 91% rental housing). It is a working-class neighborhood with a strong Hispanic/Latino presence and a high vacancy rate (~21%) driven largely by apartment turnover.
  • Resident Profile: The neighborhood draws many working families and younger residents. It has a significant Mexican-heritage community (approximately 25% identify Mexican ancestry), and 11.7% of residents were born outside the U.S.

Key Characteristics

  • Demographics: The neighborhood has a majority-minority population with a prominent Hispanic community. 76.3% of households speak English at home.
  • Economy: The neighborhood is classified as low-income, with approximately 60.8% of children living below the federal poverty line — higher than 97% of U.S. neighborhoods.
  • Housing: Median home value is approximately $134,947. The area is overwhelmingly renter-occupied (~91%), with most housing stock built between 1940 and 1999.
  • Education: Richland Hills is served by the Waco Independent School District (WISD). Waco ISD received its 4th consecutive D district rating (TEA 2025, score 63). Campus ratings: Crestview D, Lake Air Montessori C (78 — district's best), Hillcrest PDS Magnet C (improved from D; #1 elementary on SchoolDigger), Tennyson C, Waco High D. For details, see the Richland Hills Schools file.

Detailed Information

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

Amenities and Lifestyle

  • Commercial Hub: The neighborhood is adjacent to Richland Mall (North Valley Mills Drive at I-35), a major retail and commercial corridor serving western Waco.
  • Parks: Richland Park is a community green space popular for family outings. Jaycee Park is also nearby for recreation.
  • Entertainment: Skate Waco is located in the area.
  • Walkability: Richland Hills is the 2nd most walkable neighborhood in Waco, with several major roads providing easy access on foot and by car.
  • Location: Located near the intersection of North Valley Mills Drive and I-35, approximately 3–4 miles northwest of downtown Waco.

Food and Dining

For a detailed list of notable restaurants in and around Richland Hills, see the Richland Hills Restaurants file.

Religious Community

For a detailed list of churches serving Richland Hills, see the Richland Hills Churches file.

Sources