Total Population
376,893
Median Age
37
Diversity Index
73.400
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
140,511
Total Housing Units
159,884
Owner Occupied
91,421
Renter Occupied
49,090
Vacant
19,373
Median Home Value
$183,776
Average Home Value
$218,214
Median Household
$55,646 $65,182
Average Household
$82,002 $95,328
Per Capita
$30,747 $35,739
Total Businesses
13,091
Total Employed
155,239
Workers 16+
157,721
2022 HealthCare/Social Assist
Businesses
1,002
Employed
24,090
2022 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
2,062
Employed
18,944
2022 Educational Services - Businesses
Businesses
414
Employed
17,061
2022 Accommodation/Food Service
Businesses
1,057
Employed
14,625
2022 Food Service/Drinking Estab
Businesses
882
Employed
13,012
2022 Manufacturing Businesses
Businesses
414
Employed
11,647
Some
High School
20,693
Graduated
High School
61,831
Associates
Degree
28,850
Bachelor's
Degree
40,302
Graduate
Degree
20,381
Average Commute Time
0 min.
Resident Commuters
130,721
Non-Resident Commuters
26,175
Drive Alone
130,056
Carpooled
15,229
Public
737
Work At Home
7,184