A Railroad Town That Kept Its Roots

McGregor is a small town of approximately 996 residents in McLennan County, where the median home value sits at $165,700 and the homeownership rate reaches 82 percent. The town functions as a single neighborhood with access to both Midway ISD, rated A by the state, and McGregor ISD, rated C. County employment concentrates in manufacturing, which employs over 15,800 workers at an average pay of $78,674, and healthcare with more than 15,300 employees. The median household income of $60,357 supports a community where most residents own their homes and median rent runs $948 monthly for those who don't.

History

McGregor's founding in 1882 as a railroad town drew German immigrants, Virginia transplants, and families from surrounding settlements who built churches, newspapers, and businesses that still shape the town's character. Historical markers throughout town document everyone from Texas Revolution sergeant-major Joel Burditt Crain, who accepted General Santa Anna's chief of staff's sword, to the families who established Evergreen Cemetery in 1860 and the Grange movement that organized local farmers for economic cooperation.

ZIP Codes Compared

McGregor functions as a single small town without distinct zip code variations or neighborhood price tiers—housing stock consists primarily of single-family homes on larger lots with values clustering around the median. Buyers looking for variety in price points or housing styles will find limited inventory compared to larger communities.

Demographics

McGregor's population skews older with a median age of 47.7 years and shows strong homeownership at 82 percent, suggesting a stable community where people settle rather than cycle through. The town is predominantly white at 79.1 percent with an 11.9 percent Hispanic population, and just 17.5 percent hold bachelor's degrees, reflecting the area's working-class and agricultural heritage.

Economy

McLennan County's economy revolves around manufacturing, which employs nearly 16,000 workers at an average salary of $78,674, followed closely by healthcare with over 15,000 employees earning an average of $62,152. Construction, wholesale trade, and finance also provide well-paying jobs, while retail and food service employ thousands at lower wages, creating employment options across skill levels.

Schools

McGregor students attend either Midway ISD, which earns an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and serves 902 students, or McGregor ISD, rated C by the state with 333 students. Families seeking top-tier academics typically prioritize access to Midway schools, though McGregor ISD serves the town directly.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $165,700 and median rent of $948 monthly, McGregor offers housing costs well below Texas metro averages, making homeownership accessible on the town's median household income of $60,357. The tradeoff comes in limited shopping and dining options, though nearby Waco provides access to larger retailers and services.

Homeowners Associations

McGregor has no registered homeowners associations, reflecting its character as an unincorporated small town where property owners manage their own land without the restrictions or fees typical of planned communities. This appeals to buyers who want autonomy over their property decisions.

About McGregor

McGregor emerged in 1882 when the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad auctioned lots in what was then called McGregor Springs, advertising the sale statewide and drawing settlers to the rich farmland of central McLennan County. The town quickly attracted German immigrants who arrived through Galveston and established Zion Lutheran Church, as well as families from nearby settlements like Onion Creek Baptist Church who relocated to take advantage of the railroad access. William Deyerle, a Virginia-born banker and rancher, hired master stonemason Henry Wissman to build his house here, while Glenn Crain's father became the city's first mayor in 1886. The McGregor Mirror newspaper opened in 1904 under T.E. Streight, documenting the town's evolution from railroad stop to agricultural center.

Today McGregor remains what it was founded to be: a small town where people know their neighbors and daily routines center on places you can walk to. With just under a thousand residents and an 82 percent homeownership rate, this is a community of people who've chosen to stay put. The median age of 47.7 years reflects a population that values stability over constant turnover. You'll find the essentials clustered along the main corridor: Brookshire Brothers for groceries, Bush's Chicken and Cancun Mexican Restaurant for meals out, Coffee Shop Cafe for morning routines, and Dollar General for quick runs. Amsler Park and Bewley Park provide green space without the manicured anonymity of suburban developments. Churches like College Avenue Baptist and Church of the Living God anchor community life the way they have for generations. The Grange movement, which organized Texas farmers for economic independence and education starting in the late 1800s, left its mark on McGregor's culture of self-reliance and neighborly cooperation. This isn't a bedroom community for commuters or a retirement enclave—it's a working town where manufacturing and healthcare jobs in nearby Waco support families who prefer small-town life within reach of bigger-city employment.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4845672

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

45672

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

5,478

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

60 km²

County

McLennan

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About McGregor

Is McGregor a good place to live?

McGregor works best for people who want genuine small-town life with proximity to Waco's job market and amenities. With a population under a thousand and an 82 percent homeownership rate according to Census Bureau estimates, this is a community where neighbors know each other and daily life revolves around local institutions like Brookshire Brothers, Coffee Shop Cafe, and churches that have anchored the town for generations. The median age of 47.7 years reflects a population that values stability over turnover. You won't find chain restaurants beyond Burger King or shopping beyond Dollar General, so anyone who needs constant variety or urban amenities will feel constrained. But for buyers seeking affordable homeownership—median home value sits at $165,700—and a slower pace within commuting distance of McLennan County's manufacturing and healthcare jobs, McGregor delivers exactly what it promises: an unincorporated town where you control your property without HOA restrictions and where community still means something tangible.

What is the cost of living in McGregor?

McGregor offers significantly lower housing costs than Texas metros, with a median home value of $165,700 and median rent of $948 monthly according to Census Bureau data. On the town's median household income of $60,357, homeownership remains accessible, which explains the 82 percent homeownership rate. Daily expenses stay manageable with Brookshire Brothers providing groceries and fuel, though limited local shopping means residents drive to Waco for major purchases or specialized services. The absence of HOA fees—there are no registered homeowners associations in town—keeps monthly costs predictable. County employment in manufacturing averages $78,674 annually per Bureau of Labor Statistics data, while healthcare jobs average $62,152, providing solid middle-class incomes that stretch further here than in Waco proper. The tradeoff comes in fewer dining and entertainment options locally, but for buyers prioritizing homeownership and low cost of living over urban convenience, McGregor delivers substantial value.

How are the schools in McGregor?

McGregor students attend either Midway ISD, which earns an A rating from the Texas Education Agency and serves 902 students, or McGregor ISD, rated C by the state with 333 students enrolled. Families prioritizing academics typically seek homes within Midway ISD boundaries, as the district consistently performs at higher levels on state assessments and offers more robust programming due to its larger enrollment. McGregor ISD serves the town directly but with a smaller student body and fewer resources, resulting in its lower rating. The choice between districts often determines where families search for homes, with Midway access commanding premium consideration despite McGregor's overall affordable housing market. Parents should verify exact school assignments before purchasing, as boundaries can shift and specific addresses may fall into either district. For families willing to supplement with extracurriculars or private tutoring, McGregor ISD's smaller class sizes offer personalized attention, but those seeking comprehensive programs and proven academic outcomes generally prioritize Midway access.

Is McGregor good for families?

McGregor suits families who want their children growing up in a small town where everyone knows each other and kids can experience genuine community rather than suburban anonymity. The 82 percent homeownership rate creates neighborhood stability, and parks like Amsler Park and Bewley Park provide outdoor space without driving across town. Access to Midway ISD, rated A by the Texas Education Agency, gives families a strong public school option, though those zoned to McGregor ISD should carefully evaluate whether the C-rated district meets their standards. The median household income of $60,357 according to Census estimates supports middle-class family life, especially with housing costs well below metro averages. The limitations are real: no movie theaters, limited youth sports infrastructure compared to larger towns, and few organized activities beyond church and school. Families whose kids need constant stimulation or specialized programs will find McGregor restrictive. But for parents who value safety, stability, and raising children where neighbors look out for each other, McGregor offers something increasingly rare—a place where childhood still happens outdoors and community isn't a marketing term.

Find Your Place in McGregor

Whether you're drawn to small-town stability or looking for affordable homeownership near Waco employment, a Texas Ally advisor can help you understand McGregor's housing market and connect you with properties that match your priorities. We know McLennan County and can guide your search with local expertise.