About Waco, Texas:
The 2025 U.S. census population estimate for the Waco (pronounced WAY‑koh) metropolitan area was 308,807 residents. According to the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, the city’s economic base is intentionally diversified, with no single industry dominating the market. However, advanced manufacturing is identified as the leading sector, supported by a mix of transportation equipment, components, pharmaceuticals, and advanced food products. This includes major employers such as L3Harris Technologies (aerospace and defense) and AbbVie (pharmaceuticals).
Baylor University in Waco is a major factor in the city. Baylor University’s most recent reported total enrollment is 20,626 students for the 2024–2025 academic year, including 14,915 undergraduates and 5,711 graduate/professional students.
Catholic places of interest in Waco, Texas:
Saint Francis on the Brazos Catholic Church.
Saint Peter Catholic Student Center at Baylor University.
Traveling to Waco, Texas:
Waco is situated along the Brazos River, approximately 90 miles south of Dallas and a little over 100 miles north of Austin.
By car: Waco is located on Interstate 35, a 1,569‑mile (2,525 km) north–south highway running from Laredo, Texas, near the Mexican border, to Duluth, Minnesota, connecting major cities across six states
By plane: Waco Regional Airport (ACT) is located just 15–20 minutes from downtown Waco.
By train: There is AMTRAK train service to McGregor, Texas, on The Texas Eagle route that runs daily between Chicago and San Antonio. The station is approximately 16 miles (26 km) east of Waco. The station was originally built as an Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway depot.