Median Income
$65,058
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
256/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Hiawatha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,223
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,235/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,058
Per Capita$31,389
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$702M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$683
Ownership70.5%
Zillow$135,446
Housing Units1,599
Rent Burden24.3%
Crime
F
Violent256/100K
Property3,847/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault32/100K
Burglary705/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.2%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,121 ft (342 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute12 min
Broadband82.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Hiawatha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hiawatha receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Hiawatha offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hiawatha is $65,058, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hiawatha is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hiawatha is below the national average at 256 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,847 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Hiawatha experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches, including 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Hiawatha has a population of 3,223 with a density of 1,235 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (86.4%), with 4.4% Hispanic, 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Hiawatha is $65,058, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,389 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 339 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,058 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,389 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,735 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 339 |
| County GDP | $702M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,643 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Hiawatha is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,446, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,599 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,643. 24.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,446 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,599 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,643 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.24% |
In Hiawatha, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,182. The dentist ratio is 1:1,873. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hiawatha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,182 |
| Dentists | 1:1,873 |
| Mental Health | 1:280 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Hiawatha has a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 32.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 224.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,847 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,046, burglary at 705, vehicle theft at 96 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hiawatha receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hiawatha vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.5/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 224.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 32.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,847.4/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
| Burglary | 705.4/100K |
| Theft | 3,045.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 96.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hiawatha experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches. The area receives 16.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,121 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,121 ft (342 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,235/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8517°N, 95.5380°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Philip Billard Municipal (TOP)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
68 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
87 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
46 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
90 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 362 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
93 km |
3 |
| Jun 11, 1967 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1966 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAKS (5,673 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
97 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
59 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
37 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
37 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
36 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Hiawatha has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Hiawatha. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiawatha
What is the population of Hiawatha?
Hiawatha has a population of 3,223 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,235 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Hiawatha expensive to live in?
Hiawatha is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,058, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hiawatha safe?
Hiawatha is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,847 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hiawatha receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hiawatha?
Hiawatha has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches, with 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Hiawatha?
Hiawatha has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 339 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hiawatha?
The median home value in Hiawatha is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,446. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,643.
How are the schools in Hiawatha?
Schools in Hiawatha score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Hiawatha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hiawatha?
The obesity rate in Hiawatha is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 60.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,182.
What is transportation like in Hiawatha?
The average commute in Hiawatha is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hiawatha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hiawatha is 86.4% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
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