Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Waco, TX
Waco sits in the South with a population of 143,006 growing at 0.9% annually. The median home costs $205,000 while rents average $1,150/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 3.81%. Cash flow investing here requires creative strategies like BRRRR or value-add approaches.
Waco works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 3.81% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.
Target properties priced 15-25% below the $205,000 median — around $164,000 or less. At this price point with $1,150/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 5.4%. Factor in 1.7% property taxes ($3,485/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 6.2% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,481.
Property taxes at 1.7% are notably high — this is a significant drag on NOI that some investors underestimate. Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.
Run the numbers on a specific Waco property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Waco data). Compare Waco against similar markets in the South region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.