Considering a move between Fort Worth and Waco? Or trying to decide which suits your family better? The Fort Worth has compiled the side-by-side data that matters — demographics, schools, employers, cost of living, and the practical details that determine quality of life in each.
| Category | Fort Worth | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 935,000+ | 143,000+ |
| Median household income | $70,000 | $45,000 |
| County | Tarrant County | McLennan County |
| State | Texas | Texas |
| Time zone | Central (CT) | Central (CT) |
| Climate | humid subtropical | humid subtropical |
| School district | Fort Worth ISD | Waco ISD |
| Nearest airport | DFW International | Waco Regional (ACT) |
| Major highways | I-30, I-35W, I-820 | I-35, US-77, US-84 |
Fort Worth has a population of approximately 935,000+, while Waco has approximately 143,000+. Both are in Texas.
Fort Worth median household income is $70,000, compared to $45,000 in Waco.
Fort Worth students are served primarily by Fort Worth ISD, while Waco families typically attend Waco ISD. Both districts have a mix of public, charter, and private school options. Families relocating between the two cities often cite school quality as a primary factor.
Fort Worth has notable employers including Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, American Airlines, while Waco's economy is anchored by Baylor University, Baylor Scott & White, L3Harris.
Real estate prices vary significantly between the two cities, with median home values reflecting demand, school district quality, and proximity to employment centers. Fort Worth typically trends slightly higher in housing prices compared to Waco, though specific neighborhoods within each city can deviate substantially.
Fort Worth and Waco share similar humid subtropical climate patterns. Fort Worth typically experiences humid subtropical, while Waco sees humid subtropical.
Fort Worth is served by I-30, I-35W, I-820 with DFW International as its closest airport. Waco sits along I-35, US-77, US-84 with Waco Regional (ACT). Commute times and traffic patterns will vary based on where you work.
The right choice depends on your priorities. Consider:
The Fort Worth covers Fort Worth in depth. For Waco, see our sister sites in the Nexcom Media network.
Subscribe to The Fort Worth →This side-by-side comparison is curated by The Fort Worth — an independent local news outlet part of the Nexcom Media network. Data is updated periodically. For corrections or updates, email editor@nexcom.media.
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FORT WORTH – Alfredo Saldivar Casias Jr., 81, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Mount Olivet Chapel. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Mount Olivet Chapel. Alfredo Saldivar Casias Jr., was born
Pending notice
Gary Michael Albin, 75, passed away on July 2, 2026, due to a sudden illness. Memorial Service: 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Winscott Funeral Home, 1001 Winscott Road, Benbrook, Texas 76126. Gary was born on Aug. 4, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Trinity Valley Private School and
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Pending notice
Pending notice
Kenyen Damon Moore, 54, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Born on March 1, 1972, in Fort Worth, Texas, Kenyen was a proud father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend whose presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He lived a life
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EULESS – Thomas Mitchell Dennard, age 67, of Euless, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by the loving arms of his family after a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Funeral Service: 12 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, in Greenwood's Live Oak Chapel, 3
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FORT WORTH – Dwight Leon Hill, II, 88, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026. A celebration of Leon's life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, in Independence Chapel at Greenwood Mausoleum, 3210 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107; followed by an interment in Greenwood Memorial Park
FORT WORTH – Patricia Mae Alexander, 78, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Graveside Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Mount Olivet in the Sandburg Suite. Patricia was born on Aug. 2,1947, in For
SAGINAW – Jimmie Leon Isaacs, 79, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026. Funeral Service: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Greenwood's Live Oak Chapel, 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76107; with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Jim started
SPRINGTOWN – Velda Jean Peters, 71, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Funeral Service: 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, in Mount Olivet Chapel, 2301 N. Sylvania Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76111. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026, at M
FORT WORTH – Brigid Ann Keller, 86, of Fort Worth, Texas, died as a result of Alzheimer's-related complications on July 8, 2026. She was born in Hoboken, NJ, in 1940 to George and Brigid Pennell. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother who was known for her kindness and self
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A Florida developer on Wednesday announced plans for a 740-acre mixed-use development including single-family and multifamily residential offerings, a hotel, retail and restaurant sites, and recreation amenities. The development, called Wildhaven, is from An Ki Land Development of Sarasota, Florida.
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Evangeline “Leni” Coyle (nee Stamation) passed from this earth on July 5, 2026 at the age of 83. Leni was born in Massachusetts in 1943 to parents George and Mitzi Stamation. George, a U.S. Army Corpsman, was killed in action during World War II in 1945. Leni was raised by her mother, Mitzi, with th
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FORT WORTH – Victoria Krystle Galindo, 39, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026. Funeral Service: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Mount Olivet Chapel. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, in The Breyley Suite at Mount Olivet. Victoria was born on Mar
Patrick Allen Reeves, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on July 10, 2026, at the age of 49. Patrick was born on Jan. 12, 1977. He lived life with a spirit that was truly larger than life, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His strength, humor, generosity, and unwa
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