Waco, Texas
Waco: The 11th most populous city in Texas.
About
Waco is a city located in the county of McLennan in the U.S. state of Texas. Its population at the 2010 census was 124,805 and a population density of 476 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 141,377 inhabitants.
The city was created 177 years ago in 1848.
Waco was founded in 1849 and quickly became a key trading hub for the Chisholm Trail cattle drivers. The Suspension Bridge across the Brazos River was built in 1870, further cementing Waco's importance for trade and travel.
Waco's location along the river brought industrial growth in the late 1800s. Cotton mills, railroad shops and other factories opened. Baylor University relocated to Waco in 1886, lending an educational influence.
Key Facts About Modern Waco
Here are some important details about today's Waco:
- Population: Approximately 135,000 residents as of 2019. Waco is the 22nd largest city in Texas.
- Economy: Major employers today include Baylor University and the Waco Independent School District, Providence Healthcare Network, Sanderson Farms, and the various businesses along Interstate 35.
- Attractions: Popular sites include the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Waco Suspension Bridge, Cameron Park Zoo, the Dr Pepper Museum, and Magnolia Market at the Silos.
- Neighborhoods: Notable areas include Downtown, East Waco, North Waco, South Waco, China Spring and Woodway. Each has its own local culture.
- Recreation: Waco offers hiking at Cameron Park, boating and fishing on the Brazos River, and many youth and amateur sports leagues.
With its small-town feel and funky local businesses, Waco has developed its own unique identity that draws visitors from across Texas and beyond.
Quick Facts about Waco
| Population | 141,377 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Texas (United States) |
| County | McLennan County |
| Postal code | 76700–76799 |
| Phone Area Codes | 254 |
| Area | 262.41 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 31.5493,-97.1467 |
| Named for | Waco tribe |
| Altitude | 469 feet / 143 meters |
| Capital city | Waco is capital of McLennan County |
| Establishment | January 01, 1849 (177 years ago) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone |
| Local time | 19:37:32 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 539 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 11.72% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 78℉ Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 7-days weather |
Geography
Waco is located at 31°32'58"N 97°8'48"W (31.5493300, -97.1466700).
Waco map
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Weather
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South southeast wind...
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Waco
Official WebsiteDemographics
The population of Waco increased by 11.72% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 124,805 | - | census |
| 2011 | 126,443 | 1.3% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 127,494 | 0.82% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 129,011 | 1.18% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 129,860 | 0.65% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 131,801 | 1.47% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 133,421 | 1.21% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 136,939 | 2.57% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 137,886 | 0.69% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 139,236 | 0.97% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 141,377 | 1.51% | estimation process |
Services and Civic Places in Waco
1Waco City Hall
300 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76702 View details
Phone: +12547505600 | Website available
2City of Beverly Hills
3418 Memorial Dr, Waco, TX 76711 View details
Phone: +12547522584 | Website available
3City Of Bellmead / Water Dept.
3015 Bellmead Dr, Waco, TX 76705 View details
Phone: +12547992436 | Website available
4Waco City Secretary
300 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701 View details
Phone: +12547505750 | Website available
5Lacy Lakeview Civic Center
505 E Craven Ave, Waco, TX 76705 View details
Phone: +12547992458 | Website available
6Woodway City Hall
922 Estates Dr, Waco, TX 76712 View details
Phone: +12547724480 | Website available
7Waco Human Resources
300 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701 View details
Phone: +12547505740 | Website available
8Bellmead City Hall
3015 Bellmead Dr, Waco, TX 76705 View details
Phone: +12547992436 | Website available
9Gholson City Office
155 Wesley Chapel Rd, Waco, TX 76705 View details
Phone: +12548290100
10City Manager's Office
300 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701 View details
Phone: +12547505640 | Website available
People born in Waco (200)
People born in Waco, including actress and singer-songwriter Jennifer Love Hewitt, music producer Symbolyc One, singer, actress, dancer Ashlee Simpson, .
More notable people
- Sandra Brown (American novelist) she was born in 12/03/1948
- Corinne Griffith (American actress, film producer, author (1894-1979)) she was born in 21/11/1894
- C. Wright Mills (American sociologist) he was born in 28/08/1916
- Floyd Patterson (American boxer) he was born in 04/01/1935
- Pete Sessions (American politician) he was born in 22/03/1955
- Peri Gilpin (American actress) she was born in 27/05/1961
- Eddie Bernice Johnson (American politician) she was born in 03/12/1935
- Kevin Reynolds (American film director and screenwriter) he was born in 17/01/1952
- Kari Jobe (American Christian music singer-songwriter) she was born in 06/04/1981
- Travis Banton (American fashion designer) he was born in 18/08/1894
- Robert Wilson (American avant-garde stage director and playwright) he was born in 04/10/1941
- Roy Hargrove (American jazz trumpeter) he was born in 16/10/1969
- Doris Miller (first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross) he was born in 12/10/1919
- Hank Thompson (American country musician) he was born in 03/09/1925
- Austan Goolsbee (American economist) he was born in 18/08/1969
- George C. McGhee (American diplomat) he was born in 10/03/1912
- Bill Payne (American musician) he was born in 12/03/1949
- Billy Williams (African-American singer) he was born in 28/12/1910
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Waco, TX. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 223232 | Baylor University | Waco (TX) | 76798 |
| 226578 | McLennan Community College | Waco (TX) | 76708 |
| 487320 | Texas State Technical College | Waco (TX) | 76705 |
| 225371 | Hill College | Hillsboro (TX) | 76645 |
Nearby Transit Stations (7)
Rail and bus stations connected to Waco, TX. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCX | Waco, TX | 301 South 8th Street | BUS |
| MCG | McGregor | 1 Amtrak Blvd. | RAIL |
| TPL | Temple | 315 West Ave B | RAIL |
| KIL | Killeen, Texas | 200 East Avenue C | BUS |
| FHD | Fort Hood, Texas | Hood Road & Old Ironsides Ave. | BUS |
Closest post offices linked to Waco.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Wa Post Office | Waco (TX) | 76706 |
| Highlander Post Office | Waco (TX) | 76708 |
| Westview Post Office | Waco (TX) | 76710 |
| Wa Post Office | Waco (TX) | 76702 |
| Bellmead Post Office | Waco (TX) | 76705 |
Other places with the same name (5)
- Waco, Kansas township in Sedgwick County, Kansas with a population of 753 people.
- Waco, Georgia human settlement in Haralson County, Georgia, United States of America with a population of 532 people.
- Waco, North Carolina human settlement in Cleveland County, North Carolina, United States of America with a population of 319 people.
- Waco, Nebraska village in Nebraska, United States with a population of 229 people.
- Waco, Missouri City in Jasper County, Missouri, United States with a population of 93 people.
Other cities in McLennan County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in McLennan County , TX. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Hewitt | 15,113 | City in Texas, United States |
| Robinson | 12,091 | City in Texas, USA |
| Bellmead | 10,835 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Woodway | 9,077 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Lacy-Lakeview | 6,803 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| McGregor | 5,413 | City in Texas |
| West | 2,969 | City in McLennan County, Texas |
| Mart | 1,983 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Beverly Hills | 1,980 | Town in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Northcrest | 1,785 | City in Texas, United States of America |
| Lorena | 1,756 | City in Texas |
| Bruceville-Eddy | 1,704 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Moody | 1,433 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Gholson | 1,127 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Riesel | 1,049 | City in McLennan County, Texas, United States |
| Crawford | 870 | Town in Texas |
Distance to Other Cities
Waco distances to largest Texas cities