Total Population
388,221
Population
Growth Rate
0.97%
Median Age
37
Diversity Index
69.100
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
144,090
Total Housing Units
162,079
Owner Occupied
94,149
Renter Occupied
49,940
Vacant
17,989
Median Home Value
$168,165
Average Home Value
$212,257
Income
Growth Rate
Median
Household Income
0.99%
Per Capita Income
2.22%
Median Household
$50,838 $55,404
Average Household
$71,865 $80,239
Per Capita
$26,800 $29,917
Total Businesses
12,522
Total Employed
152,754
Workers 16+
157,053
2021 HealthCare/Social Assist
Businesses
935
Employed
23,074
2021 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
2,009
Employed
18,953
2021 Educational Services - Businesses
Businesses
405
Employed
18,271
2021 Accommodation/Food Service
Businesses
1,009
Employed
14,077
2021 Food Service/Drinking Estab
Businesses
836
Employed
12,577
2021 Public Administration
Businesses
609
Employed
11,653
Some
High School
22,969
Graduated
High School
63,067
Associates
Degree
27,110
Bachelor's
Degree
38,005
Graduate
Degree
20,115
Average Commute Time
0 min.
Resident Commuters
129,634
Non-Resident Commuters
26,716
Drive Alone
130,183
Carpooled
15,769
Public
504
Work At Home
5,591