Waco city, Texas Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Waco city, Texas has a total population of 141,925, the 24th largest city in Texas, with a median household income of $51,468, which is 33% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 33% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Waco city Quick Facts
How Waco city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 67 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Waco city Rankings in Texas
Explore Texas Rankings
Cities Similar to Waco city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McAllen city | 143,789 | $60,165 | $173,800 | 32.0% | 20.2% |
| College Station city | 122,280 | $51,776 | $326,500 | 57.1% | 28.6% |
| Killeen city | 156,144 | $58,339 | $196,000 | 22.1% | 17.2% |
| Pasadena city | 149,345 | $64,270 | $193,600 | 16.1% | 18.3% |
| Abilene city | 127,130 | $62,720 | $178,900 | 27.1% | 14.8% |
Population Overview
Waco city is a major urban center located in Texas. The total population is 141,925. It ranks as the 24th most populous out of 1,800 cities and towns in Texas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Waco city is 29.2 years. This is 18% lower than the state median of 35.5 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Waco city is $51,468. This is 33% lower than the state median of $76,292. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.0%. This is 74% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $199,600. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $260,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 48.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% lower than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Waco city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (19.9% vs 11.9%). The Asian population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.
Education
28.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 33.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Waco city, Texas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Texas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,800 Census-designated places in Texas. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Waco city, Texas?
Waco city, Texas has a population of 141,925 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Waco city, TX?
The median household income in Waco city is $51,468, which is 34% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Waco city, TX?
The poverty rate in Waco city is 24.0%. This means approximately 32,047 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Waco city, Texas?
Waco city's population is 44.9% White, 19.9% Black, 29.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Waco city, TX?
The median home value in Waco city is $199,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is Waco city, Texas?
28.6% of adults (25+) in Waco city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.