Total Population
380,901
Median Age
38
Diversity Index
74.100
The Heart of Texas Economic Development District is comprised of six counties in central Texas between Dallas and Austin. The U.S. Census reported the estimated 2019 population to be 372,588, compared to 349,273 in 2010, an increase of nearly 7%. The Region includes six counties, including Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan County. Major population centers are Waco, Hewitt, Robinson and Hillsboro.
The Heart of Texas Region is heavily agricultural, but its economy is largely driven by the strong industrial and commercial center in the Waco MSA. Smaller centers can be found in Hillsboro and Mexia. Access to health care is generally good throughout the region, with two major health centers in McLennan County and rural health centers in each of the other counties. Economic development in the Heart of Texas region centers around key industry clusters identified in the Texas Industry Cluster Initiative, such as:
Energy production is one of the most significant industrial sectors represented in the Heart of Texas region. Lignite coal, found in Limestone and Freestone counties, is the only significant mineral resource in the area. There is a significant amount of oil and natural gas extraction as well. But recent years have resulted in a trend to develop solar and wind farms around the area. The state of Texas was the second-largest state in the country in solar capacity additions and the rising trend continues today.
Recently, the region has experienced significant economic growth, primarily in the Waco MSA, with several investments by companies like Amazon, Hello Bella, OCI Solar Power and Hecate Energy and can easily accommodate more growth in the coming years.
There is an available and skilled workforce in the Heart of Texas region. In November 2020, the Waco MSA had a total employment of 121,023, down nearly 2% from November 2019 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further wage and employment information for the Waco MSA is illustrated below.
Source: Texas Workforce Commission 12/2020
Source: Texas Workforce Commission 12/2020
One of the most significant advantages is the presence of robust workforce training providers, that can all quickly deliver specialized training. Waco is also home to Baylor University, the 11th-largest Christian university in the country and offers a wide range of degree programs for those seeking higher levels of education.
The geography of the Heart of Texas Region is a combination of tablelands and irregular plains ranging to hilly in the west, with altitudes varying from 209 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The mean minimum temperature is 33.3 F and the mean maximum temperature is approximately 96 F. Rainfall averages about 36.21 inches a year. The area has abundant lakes, rivers and streams that are popular for recreation and help provide municipal water supplies.
Households
142,729
Total Housing Units
162,299
Owner Occupied
93,187
Renter Occupied
49,542
Vacant
19,570
Median Home Value
$195,262
Average Home Value
$241,125
Median Household
$58,110 $65,089
Average Household
$85,503 $96,679
Per Capita
$32,159 $36,631
Total Businesses
12,685
Total Employed
157,763
Workers 16+
159,899
2023 HealthCare/Social Assist
Businesses
995
Employed
23,359
2023 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
1,881
Employed
19,110
2023 Educational Services - Businesses
Businesses
403
Employed
18,272
2023 Accommodation/Food Service
Businesses
1,064
Employed
14,658
2023 Public Administration
Businesses
649
Employed
13,892
2023 Food Service/Drinking Estab
Businesses
891
Employed
13,109
Some
High School
19,307
Graduated
High School
62,812
Associates
Degree
28,021
Bachelor's
Degree
42,525
Graduate
Degree
22,721
Average Commute Time
0 min.
Resident Commuters
132,049
Non-Resident Commuters
26,937
Drive Alone
131,609
Carpooled
14,465
Public
656
Work At Home
8,728