Is Waco a good place to retire?
Healthcare access is a real strength here. Take a closer look at how the seasons may feel day to day.
What it may cost
Start with the local estimate. Traveler and couple budgets show how the monthly total can change.
Local monthly estimate
$2,914
- Traveler estimate
- $4,123
- Couple estimate
- $4,366
- Typical 1BR rent
- $954
- Cost pressure
- Good
Everyday life
Nearby air service can make family visits simpler. The age mix includes a smaller 50+ community.
27.5%
Residents age 50+
- Walkability
- Moderate
- Median broadband
- 382 Mbps
1.9 / 5
A car will likely make everyday errands easier.
Plenty for video calls and streaming.
- Family visits
- Airport connected visit
Getting the care you need
The care picture looks excellent as a starting point. Country-level life expectancy is about 78.9 years.
6
Hospitals nearby
- Healthcare access
- Excellent
- Country life expectancy
- About 78.9 years
- Primary care
- Good
- Pharmacy access
- Excellent
Understanding safety
Violent and property crime tell a similar story.
Overall safety
Good
3.0 / 5
- Violent crime
- Good
- Property crime
- Good
Living through the seasons
Winters are the easier season. Summer heat deserves a closer look.
Overall climate comfort
Moderate2.4 / 5
Summer
98°F
Average high
112 days/year above 90°F
1.3 / 5 · Poor
Winter
39°F
Average low
21 days/year below freezing
3.9 / 5 · Very Good
Air quality
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Retirement fit
Why it may fit
A move feels more comfortable when care, costs, seasons, and the places you go each day work together.
Reasons it may fit
- Healthcare access is rated excellent.
- 6 hospitals within 12 km are nearby.
- Primary care access is rated good.
What to plan for
- The local monthly estimate is $2,914, including a typical 1BR rent of $954.
- Summer comfort is rated poor; the average summer high is Hot · 98°F and 112 days/year are above 90°F.
- Review both crime measures: Good for violent crime and Good for property crime.
Questions retirees ask
What should I budget for retirement in Waco?
The current local-resident estimate is $2,914 per month, with a typical 1BR rent of $954. Treat it as a planning starting point and compare the detailed cost categories with your own housing, travel, and healthcare needs.
How is healthcare access in Waco?
Healthcare access is rated excellent, with 6 hospitals within 12 km nearby. Primary care access is rated good. Insurance, appointment availability, and the drive from home still matter.
What are the seasons like in Waco?
Summer comfort is poor, with an average high of Hot · 98°F and 112 days/year above 90°F. Winter comfort is very good, with an average low of 39°F / 4°C.
Could this place work for you?
People who value easy access to care and comfortable winters may find a lot to like here. Before adding it to your shortlist, take a closer look at summer heat.
Sources
These sources list the public figures used for Waco. Local context links describe its parks, food, culture, history, and other place specific details.
- U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Used for Estimated Monthly Budget (Traveler), Estimated Monthly Budget (Local Resident), Estimated Monthly Budget (Couple), Cost Pressure
- U.S. Census Bureau
Used for Typical 1BR Rent
- OpenStreetMap healthcare amenities static probe
Used for Healthcare Access, Primary Care Access
- FEMA RAPT / HIFLD Hospitals
Used for Hospitals Within 12 km
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services NPPES NPI Registry
Used for Pharmacy Convenience
Checked 2026-07-19
- FBI Crime Data Explorer
Used for Violent Crime Level, Property Crime Level
Checked 2024-12-31
- NOAA/NASA source-backed climate component formula
Used for Climate Comfort, Summer Heat, Winter Comfort
- Open-Meteo / Copernicus CAMS, checked against U.S. EPA AirData
Used for Air Quality
Checked 2026-05-18
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Walkability Index
Used for Walkability Estimate
Checked 2026-07-10
- U.S. Census Bureau
Used for Age 50+
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Used for Medicare-Listed Geriatric Medicine Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Cardiology Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Medical Oncology Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Neurology Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Ophthalmology Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Endocrinology Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Pulmonary Disease Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Nephrology Clinicians in City, Medicare-Listed Rheumatology Clinicians in City
Checked 2026-07-13
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