Detailed Information about Waco, TX¶

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

Neighborhood Information¶

Waco offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, from historic districts to modern suburbs. The city is divided into three main areas: the North Side, the South Side, and the East Side. The North Side is known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, with neighborhoods like Castle Heights and Brookview being popular with families. The South Side is the heart of the city and is a largely Hispanic community with a rich history. The East Side is a historically African-American community. Downtown Waco has seen a recent revitalization and offers a more urban living experience.

Crime Rates¶

Waco's overall crime rate is higher than the national average and the Texas state average — roughly 20% above the national rate as of the most recent data. Both violent and property crime are concerns, particularly in certain neighborhoods. However, the trend is strongly positive: crime fell 11% in 2024 and another 7.3% in 2025, bringing overall crime to its lowest level since 1993, according to the Waco Police Department. The number of homicides in 2024 was 8 — the lowest in decades.

Crime is not evenly distributed across the city. The safest areas tend to be in the southwest (near Woodway and Hewitt), around the Baylor University campus, and in established neighborhoods like Sanger Heights and Castle Heights. Downtown has seen improvement alongside its revitalization. The highest-crime areas are generally concentrated in parts of East and South Waco. Many residents in lower-crime neighborhoods report feeling safe in their day-to-day lives. As with any city, prospective residents are encouraged to research specific neighborhoods using resources like CrimeGrade.org or NeighborhoodScout.

Demographics¶

As of the 2020 census, the population of Waco was 140,543. The city is growing at approximately 1.02% annually, with 2026 estimates ranging from ~143,500 to ~149,600 depending on the source.

Racial Composition: The largest racial groups are White (Non-Hispanic) (48.32%), Hispanic (30.6%), and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (19.84%).
Median Age: The median age is 29.7 years (28.4 for males, 31.1 for females). The largest age cohort is 20–24 years (13.57% of population), driven by Baylor University enrollment.
Income: The median household income is $54,365, which is below the state average. The poverty rate is approximately 23.11%.

Community Information¶

Waco is a city with a strong sense of community and a diverse economy. The city has a variety of community resources, including a public library, a number of parks, and a variety of community events. The Waco Independent School District serves the city and is rated as above average. The city is also a major seat of higher learning, with three major colleges in its city limits: Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Texas State Technical College.

What Waco is Known For¶

Waco is known for its rich history, its vibrant culture, and its recent resurgence as a tourist destination. The city is also known for:

Magnolia Market at the Silos: The home base of Chip and Joanna Gaines of the popular TV show "Fixer Upper."
The Dr. Pepper Museum: The birthplace of the iconic soft drink.
The Waco Mammoth National Monument: A paleontological site that contains the remains of Columbian mammoths.
Baylor University: A major private Christian university.
The Waco Suspension Bridge: A historic bridge that was the first to span the Brazos River.