img
Change text size A

Write a Review About Waco For A Chance to Win A $100 Amazon Gift Card

Back
3.67 out of 5 stars
See detailed scores arrow-d-ic

Waco ( WAY-koh) is a city which is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States.

It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, halfway between Dallas and Austin. The city had a 2010 population of 124,805, making it the 22nd-most populous city in the state. The US Census 2016 population estimate is 134,432 The Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of McLennan and Falls Counties, which had a 2010 population of 234,906. Falls County was added to the Waco MSA in 2013. The US Census 2016 population estimate for the Waco MSA is 265,207.

Local media

The major daily newspaper is the Waco Tribune-Herald. Other publications include The Waco Citizen, The Anchor News, The Baylor Lariat, Tiempo, Wacoan, and Waco Today Magazine.

Transportation

Interstate 35 is the major north-south highway for Waco. It directly connects the city with Dallas (I-35E), Fort Worth (I-35W), Austin, and San Antonio. Texas State Highway 6 runs northwest-southeast and connects Waco to Bryan/College Station and Houston. US Highway 84 is the major east-west thoroughfare in the area. It is also known as Waco Drive, Bellmead Drive (as it passes through the city of Bellmead), Woodway Drive or the George W. Bush Parkway. Loop 340 bypasses the city to the east and south. State Highway 31 splits off of US 84 just east of Waco and connects the city to Tyler, Longview, and Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Waco area is home to three airports. Waco Regional Airport (ACT) serves the city with daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International via American Eagle. TSTC Waco Airport (CNW) is the site of the former James Connally AFB and was the primary fly-in point for former President George W. Bush when he was visiting his ranch in Crawford. It is also a hub airport for L3 and several other aviation companies. McGregor Executive Airport (PWG) is a general-aviation facility located west of Waco.

Local transportation is provided by the Waco Transit System, which offers bus service Monday-Saturday to most of the city. Nearby passenger train service is offered via Amtrak. The Texas Eagle route includes daily stops in McGregor, located 20 miles west of the city.

Geography

Waco is located at 31°33'5" North, 97°9'21" West (31.551516, -97.155930).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 95.5 square miles (247 km2). 84.2 square miles (218 km2) of it is land and 11.3 square miles (29 km2) of it is covered by water. The total area is 11.85% water.

Become a community envoy on AgeFriendly.com Claim this city
Would you recommend Waco, TX
to your older friends and family?

reviews (35)

Neighborhoods
Sort by

I've worked and own caregiver for 15 or more in this community

Was this review helpful? 0

Friendly , close to stores, well maintained.

Was this review helpful? 0

Don't need any added drama n my life at home or at work

Was this review helpful? 0

Baylor University
Magnolia

Was this review helpful? 0

I would say Waco is pretty neutral. You can get everywhere driving, but the roads are pretty bumpy. There are many churches and opportunities for community engagement.

Was this review helpful? 0

Your photo has been submitted and will appear on the city page after Admin’s approval. Thanks!