Median Income
$83,750
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$158,200
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
319/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.2%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,005
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How South Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,125
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density1,278/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$83,750
Per Capita$37,357
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$6,798M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,200
Rent$1,005
Ownership84.4%
Zillow$188,667
Housing Units493
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent319/100K
Property2,216/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain41.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation828 ft (252 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.2%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 26%
Commute15 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries10
Is South Waverly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Waverly receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. South Waverly offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Waverly is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Waverly is $158,200, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,005 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Waverly is below the national average at 319 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,216 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
South Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches, including 42.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
South Waverly has a population of 1,125 with a density of 1,278 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Waverly vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Waverly vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Waverly is $83,750, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,357. The average weekly wage is $1,156, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,525 business establishments, including 116 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Waverly vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,750 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,357 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,156 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,160 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,525 |
| County GDP | $6,798M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 116 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 235 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,894 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in South Waverly is $158,200, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,667, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,005 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 493 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,894 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,200 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,667 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,005 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.6% |
| Housing Units | 493 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,894 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.09% |
In South Waverly, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:982. The dentist ratio is 1:1,814. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:982 |
| Dentists | 1:1,814 |
| Mental Health | 1:979 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,655/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
South Waverly has a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,216 per 100,000, 13% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Waverly receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Waverly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 318.8/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,216.5/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 275 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 41.2 inches. The area receives 42.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 828 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 828 ft (252 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,278/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9942°N, 76.5444°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bradford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elmira/Corning Regional (ELM) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.2"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0418 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
49 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
160 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 74 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
85 km |
2 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1984 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1974 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL RUN (2,003 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
WOODRUFF |
757 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
South Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in South Waverly. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About South Waverly
What is the population of South Waverly?
South Waverly has a population of 1,125 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 1,278 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is South Waverly expensive to live in?
South Waverly has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,200 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,005 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Waverly safe?
South Waverly is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,216 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Waverly receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Waverly?
South Waverly has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.2 inches, with 42.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in South Waverly?
South Waverly has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,156. There are 1,525 business establishments in the area, including 116 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Waverly?
The median home value in South Waverly is $158,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,667. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,005. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,894.
How are the schools in South Waverly?
Schools in South Waverly score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.2% of adults in South Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Waverly?
The obesity rate in South Waverly is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:982.
What is transportation like in South Waverly?
The average commute in South Waverly is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Waverly is 93% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 6.2% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.