Waco is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 113,726 (however, 2005 estimates place the population at 120,465). It is the 26th largest city by population in Texas, and 195th in the US. The Waco MSA consists of McLennan County and has a population of 226,189. It is served by Waco Regional Airport. The city is the fly-in point for George W. Bush for his visits to his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford and support personnel and reporters stay in the city's hotels. It is the home of Baylor University. The Dr. Pepper soft drink (originally called "Waco") was established here.

As of the census of 2000, there are 113,726 people in the city, organized into 42,279 households and 24,775 families. The population density is 521.5/km² (1,350.6/mi²). There are 45,819 housing units at an average density of 210.1/km² (544.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 60.78% White, 22.65% African American, 1.38% Asian, 0.51% Native American, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 12.38% from other races, and 2.26% from two or more races. 23.64% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 42,279 households out of which 29.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.4% are married couples living together, 16.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% are non-families. 31.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 3.19.