The median income for full-time workers in Waco, Texas is lower than the surrounding county, McLennan County, at $37,062.00 and Texas at $42,269.00 (ACS 2016). There are several factors at play that influence our median income.
Positive Influences | Negative Influences |
Shift in focus to workforce preparation (Greater Waco Healthcare Academy & Manufacturing Academy) New businesses being attracted to Waco, Texas because of newly acclaimed "Fixer Upper" fame New talent retention initiative- CampusTown Waco Multiple Colleges and Universities- Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, McLennan Community College, University Center (Texas Tech & Tarleton State University) | Low unemployment rates -> Businesses that are hiring, hire/fire based on soft skills Stagnant labor force participation rates Presence of the county jail and an unwillingness of the community to hire those released Available work is located on the opposite side of town from the need |
Educational Institutions:
McLennan Community College
Baylor University
TSTC
Local employers/businesses:
Waco ISD
Aramark
Lowe's of Waco
Cargill
Domtar
Ratliff Ready Mix
City of Waco
Center for Occupational Research and Development
Non-profits/Service providers:
Heart of Texas Goodwill
Caritas of Waco
Salvation Army
McLennan County Adult Probation and Parole
Esther's Closet
MHMR
Mission Waco
Christian Women's Job Corp
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
1) Create a system to coordinate outreach between service providers and businesses to help those employed stay employed.
2) Develop an unified training certificate geared towards teaching "soft skills."
3) Develop a better relationship between the County Jail and local businesses.