About Waco

Waco enjoys a diverse economic base. With a large concentration of manufacturers, aviation and aerospace companies, medical and pharmaceutical preparation companies, logistics and distribution operations, technology and software developers, and international trade industries, Waco is truly the lone star business hub. In 2004, Waco’s manufacturing sector posted a gain of 3.7 percent. Over ten years of diverse and stable job growth recently won Waco recognition as the No. 6 small metro in which to do business in the United States.

Location, Location, Location
Waco, the seat of McLennan County, Texas, is located 90 miles south of Dallas/Fort Worth, 90 miles north of Austin and 180 miles northwest of Houston. The Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) covers 1,000 square miles, with the Waco corporate limits encompassing 85 square miles.

The advantages of a Waco site location are obvious: affordable cost of business, supportive transportation systems, quality workforce, international trade opportunities, competitive incentives, and attractive real estate. Waco also boasts readily available support services in the area including machine shops, plastics contractors, and electrical contractors that routinely serve area industries.

Climate
Waco has a sub-tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 67.2 degrees. The average minimum temperature for December is 38.7 degrees and the average maximum for July is 96.4 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 33.33 inches and the growing season is 253 days. Elevation is 427 feet.

City Government
Waco is a municipal corporation with a council/manager form of government. The city charter took effect in 1958. Fire protection is provided by a full-time fire department with an ISO rating of 4 that has over forty pieces of equipment, located at 12 strategically placed fire stations with more than 185 fire fighters. An excellent police department provides public protection from more than 90 patrol cars and over 200 officers along with one sheriff and more than 54 deputies and 8 constables. There is a city master plan and zoning ordinances.

Non-aviation Transportation
Railroads: Union Pacific and Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Buses: Greyhound Bus Lines (24 daily), The Waco Eagle/The Streak shuttle service to DFW
Highways: IH-35, U.S. Hwy. 77, U.S. Hwy. 81, U.S. Hwy. 84, TX St. Hwy. 6, TX St. Hwy. 31, TX St. Hwy. 164, FM
Motor Freight: More than 20 common motor carriers actively serve motor freight in Waco. Single carrier service is available to 32 MSAs in the southwest, with overnight radius for motor carriers of 400 miles.

Communications Media
One daily newspaper and 5 weekly newspapers service the community. 12 local radio stations provide programming in English and Spanish. There are 6 local television stations and 2 cable providers within the community. National Public Radio (NPR) and public television are among those radio and television stations available.

Recreation and Area Attractions
Waco offers a high level of amenities for its citizens. There are numerous parks encompassing 1,400 acres within the community. Additionally, Greater Waco is home to 2 country clubs, 10 health centers, 10 golf courses, 3 theaters, 14 tennis courts, more than 325 restaurants, 3,264 hotel and motel rooms, 8 bed and breakfast facilities, one zoo, and one lake.

Medical
Waco is served by two fully accredited and not for profit hospitals: Hillcrest Health System has 405 beds and Providence Health Center has more than 200 beds. There are more than 300 doctors in 45 areas of study. Waco is also the home of the Veterans Administration Hospital. The facility has 433 beds. Medical clinics located throughout the city provide quick and convenient services seven days a week.

Worship Facilities
The religious needs of the community are served by more than 200 places of worship representing more than 30 denominations and multiple faiths.

Population
Waco (WITHOUT MSA) 2004 Est. 118,093
Waco MSA 2004 Est. 222,439

Demographics
For in-depth market reports and statistics about the Greater Waco community, please visit the Waco page at the Texas A&M Real Estate Center Market Report.

Housing/Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
89.7 Index (4Q03 ACCRA)

Waco MSA Housing Averages - Ist Quarter 2004
Household Income $33,560
Household Size 2.7
Average Home Value (NEW) $103,714
Cost of Home $157,500
Monthly Apartment Rent $499
Number of Households 78,926
Homeownership Rate 60.2%

For more in-depth facts about Waco, view the Waco Economic Development Facts Sheet.