346 movers in Waco
What to know when moving to Waco, TX
Waco at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A ZIP where 86.8% of residents are renters and the median income is $24,593.
- The Major Draw:
- Close to attractions like the Dr Pepper Museum, which has a rating of 4.4 stars from nearly 9,000 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 40.2%, many face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 0% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for about $1,008/month for rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Waco is characterized by a high renter population, with a striking 86.8% of residents renting their homes. The median household income sits at $24,593, and just 31.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area does not benefit from public transit, which may necessitate owning a vehicle for commuting. With an annual total of 14.6 inches of rainfall and 19 rainy days, residents should be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: You're looking for a thriving public transit system or a higher educational attainment in the community.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,008, which may be manageable for many, but still reflects the area's economic challenges.
- With a poverty rate of 40.2%, a significant portion of the population may struggle financially.
- Only 31.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a lower education level in the community.
- A whopping 86.8% of residents are renters, highlighting the rental market's prevalence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, the crime rates present a mixed picture. Overall, property crime has seen a decline of 23.1% from 2022 to 2025, with a state annual rate of 1,797.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 16.2% higher than the national rate. Violent crime has also decreased by 21.8% over the same period, with a rate of 345.5 per 100,000, slightly above the national average.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 35.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Waco has access to several educational institutions, including:
- Baylor University
- McLennan Community College
- Southern Careers Institute-Waco
- Texas State Technical College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Waco receives about 14.6 inches of rain annually, spread across 19 rainy days. This includes 6.6 inches in spring and a mere 0.2 inches in winter, making it a relatively dry winter locale. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore local attractions like Cameron Park, rated at 4.8 stars, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, with a 4.7-star rating.
- Cameron Park - 4.8 stars
- Waco Mammoth National Monument - 4.7 stars
- Dr Pepper Museum - 4.4 stars
- Cameron Park Zoo - 4.6 stars
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
