Population
Waco is a city located in central Texas along the Brazos River. As of the 2020 census, Waco had a population of 138,183 people, making it the 22nd most populous city in Texas. Waco is the county seat of McLennan County and is the principal city of the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 276,224 as of 2020.
Waco has grown steadily in population over the past several decades. Since the 2000 census, the city has grown by over 20%. Waco continues to attract new residents due to its diversified economy, low cost of living, and location along Interstate 35 between Dallas and Austin.
For more information on the demographics and population of Waco, check out its Wikipedia page.
Economy and Major Employers
The Waco area has a diverse economy with major industries including manufacturing, education, healthcare, retail, and tourism. Some of the top employers in Waco include:
- Baylor University – over 5,000 employees
- Providence Healthcare Network – over 2,600 employees
- Waco Independent School District – over 2,000 employees
- Sanderson Farms – over 1,500 employees
- L3Harris – over 1,000 employees
- Walmart – over 900 employees
- H-E-B Grocery – over 600 employees
Manufacturing is a major component of Waco’s economy. Top manufacturing companies include L3Harris, which produces military avionics systems, and Sanderson Farms, which operates a large poultry processing plant. Waco is also home to distribution centers for companies like Amazon and Walmart.
As the home of Baylor University, one of the largest private universities in the nation, higher education is a driving force. Baylor employs over 5,000 people and the university injects millions into the local economy.
For more on Waco’s economy and employers, check out the Waco Chamber of Commerce website.
Points of Interest
Waco has many unique attractions that bring in tourists from across Texas and beyond. Here are some of the top points of interest in the city:
Magnolia Market at the Silos
This retail complex operated by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper has become a hugely popular tourist draw. The site includes retail shops, a bakery, garden, and food trucks.
Cameron Park Zoo
This zoo located near downtown Waco is home to over 1,700 animals representing more than 245 species. Exhibits include tropical birds, lions, lemurs, and the largest polar bear exhibit in the southern United States.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
This museum documents the history and legacy of the famous Texas Rangers law enforcement organization. Interactive exhibits cover major events and noted Rangers figures like John Coffee Hays.
Dr Pepper Museum
Located on the site of the original Dr Pepper bottling plant, this museum showcases the history of the iconic soft drink invented in Waco in 1885. Visitors can see historic advertisements and bottling equipment and sample over 70 different flavors.
Waco Suspension Bridge
Built in 1870, this historic footbridge spans the Brazos River and connects downtown Waco to Indian Springs Park. The 475-foot bridge is an iconic city landmark.
To learn more about things to see and do in Waco, visit the Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
Local Sports
Waco is home to Baylor University, whose sports teams compete in Division I NCAA athletics as the Baylor Bears. The football team has had recent success, winning two Big 12 conference championships in the last decade. The Bears play in McLane Stadium, a state-of-the-art $266 million stadium on the Brazos River.
Other popular sports teams include the Waco BlueCats, a minor league baseball team. The BlueCats play at Waco Riverfront Stadium and are part of the Pacific Coast League.
For more on sports in Waco, check out the Waco BlueCats website.
Be sure to also follow the latest Waco news and events by liking the City of Waco Facebook page.