Waco, TX Homes For Rent

Homes For Rent in Waco, TX: What You Need to Know

Waco, a city in north-central Texas, is home to Baylor University, a nationally ranked research institution. Waco is the government seat of McLennan County, located halfway between Dallas and Austin.

Cost of Living

The biggest advantage of living in Texas is that it doesn’t collect income tax. It levies 6.25% to 8.25% in sales tax. In Waco (population: 139,236), affordability is another benefit. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 19.1%, 5%, and 29.7% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $862.

Schools and Education

Baylor University (17,217 students), a private Christian university, is based in Waco. It offers 126 undergraduate degree programs, 79 master's programs, and 47 doctoral programs. There are three other institutions of higher education in Waco: University of Mary Hardin Baylor (3,888 students), Texas State Technical College Waco (5,090 students), and McLennan Community College (8,955 students). In primary and secondary education, there are 25 public schools in Waco Independent School District, with an enrolment of 14,821 students.

What Does Waco Mean?

Waco (or Hueco) is the name of the Native American tribe that originally lived in the area. In 1849, George Erath laid out the first block of the new town and divided it into numbered lots. He first visited the area as a ranger, and suggested it as a location for a new town. He also convinced the landowners to name the town Waco Village instead of Lamartine. It became the seat of McLennan County in 1850. Waco was incorporated as a city in 1856.

What Is Waco Known For?

In 1993, Waco gained notoriety for the siege of a compound occupied by Branch Davidian, a religious cult that believed the apocalypse was coming. When the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives tried to arrest leader David Koresh for stockpiling weapons and explosives, a shootout erupted, killing four federal agents and six Davidians. A 51-day standoff followed. On April 19, 1993, federal agents issued an ultimatum, then made their move with modified tanks and tear gas. The complex caught fire, killing Koresh and nearly 80 of his followers. 

Has Waco Experienced Any Weather-Related Disasters?

On May 11, 1953, an F5 tornado touched down in Waco, and destroyed the downtown area. It killed 114 people and injured 597 others. It’s the deadliest tornado in Texas history since 1900. The twister completely destroyed more than 600 homes and businesses and damaged another 1,000 structures. Damages were estimated at $41 million (1953 value).