Plano, TX vs Waco, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Waco
77.1
#281 nationally
Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $47,421). Waco leads in average commute (17.5 min vs 27.6 min). Waco leads in cost of living index (93 vs 107).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 77.1 (#281) |
| Population | 287,339 | 144,816 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $197,359 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $47,421 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 17.5 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 35 |
| Crime Level | Low | 11.7 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | R+30.9 |
C-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →
C+
77.1 Score
Waco, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$197,359
Population
144,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Waco, TX →