Waco, TX Census Data
The 24th largest city in Texas by population · 74 cities ranked
Waco is the 24th largest city in Texas by population and ranks 70th of 74 for median household income. With 141,925 residents, its poverty rate of 24.0% ranks among the higher rates in Texas. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
141,925
48.0% male · 52.0% female
Median Age
29.2
9.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$51,468
$27,070 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
28.6%
6.4% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 86.2%
Poverty Rate
24.0%
11.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 14.5%
Broadband Access
94.1%
4.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$199,600
Median rent: $1,098 · 49% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Labor force participation: 58.7%
Per Capita Income
$29,917
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.4%
Disability rate: 12.7%
How Waco Compares to Other Texas Cities
Rankings among all 74 Texas cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 24th of 74 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 70th of 74 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 67th of 74 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 52nd of 74 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 52nd of 74 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Waco, TX Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Waco, TX?
The population of Waco, TX is 141,925 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 29.2 years.
What is the median household income in Waco?
The median household income in Waco, TX is $51,468, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $29,917.
What is the poverty rate in Waco?
The poverty rate in Waco, TX is 24.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 14.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Waco residents have a college degree?
28.6% of adults (25+) in Waco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 86.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Waco?
The median home value in Waco, TX is $199,600. Median rent is $1,098 per month, with 49% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Waco?
Waco's population is 54.0% White, 20.4% Black, 29.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Waco rank among Texas cities?
Waco is the 24th largest city in Texas by population, the 70th highest for median household income, the 67th lowest for poverty rate, the 52nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 74 ranked Texas cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Waco?
The unemployment rate in Waco, TX is 4.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 58.7%. Per capita income is $29,917.
Cities Similar to Waco
Other Texas cities with comparable population and income levels.