Waco, Texas is a city located in McLennan County, Texas. It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, about halfway between Dallas and Austin. The city has a population of over 130,000 people and is the county seat of McLennan County.

The city was founded in 1849 by the Waco Village Company, which was formed to develop the area. The city quickly grew as a center for trade and commerce due to its location on the Brazos River. In 1872, Waco became an incorporated city and began to expand its infrastructure with the construction of bridges, railroads, and other public works projects.

Today, Waco is home to Baylor University, one of the largest private universities in Texas. The university provides a vibrant cultural atmosphere with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and other attractions. The city also boasts several parks and recreational areas such as Cameron Park Zoo and Lake Waco.

The economy of Waco is largely based on education, healthcare services, manufacturing, retail trade, and tourism. Major employers include Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas (BUMC), Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center (HBMC), Magnablend Corporation (a chemical manufacturer), L-3 Communications (a defense contractor), and Frito-Lay (a snack food manufacturer).

Waco has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from lows in the mid-30s during winter months to highs in the mid-90s during summer months. Rainfall averages around 40 inches per year with most precipitation occurring during spring months.