Median Income
$53,632
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,700
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
216/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$739
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.2%
6% higher than US avg
How Van Wert Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,710
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,422/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,632
Per Capita$29,477
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty13.2%
County GDP$1,726M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,700
Rent$739
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$175,783
Housing Units4,900
Rent Burden23.4%
Crime
F
Violent216/100K
Property3,151/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault122/100K
Burglary591/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking18.8%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation777 ft (237 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute15 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Van Wert a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Van Wert receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Van Wert offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Van Wert is $53,632, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 13.2% 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 Van Wert is $109,700, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Van Wert is below the national average at 216 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,151 per 100,000, 61% above the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Van Wert experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches, including 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Van Wert has a population of 10,710 with a density of 1,422 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Van Wert is $53,632, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,477 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $950, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 658 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,632 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,477 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $950 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,126 |
| Gini Index | 0.374 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.2% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 658 |
| County GDP | $1,726M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,981 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Van Wert is $109,700, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,783, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $739 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $762 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,900 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $2,981. 23.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,700 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,783 |
| Median List Price | $160,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $160,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $138 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.5% |
| Price Drops | 15.4% |
| Inventory | 26 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $739 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $724 |
| 1 Bedroom | $762 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,218 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,323 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 4,900 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,981 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Van Wert, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,210. The dentist ratio is 1:2,397. 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-27)
PM2.5
15.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
16.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
16.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.0
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
199.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Van Wert vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,210 |
| Dentists | 1:2,397 |
| Mental Health | 1:652 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,043/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Van Wert has a violent crime rate of 216 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 121.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 93.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,151 per 100,000, 61% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,504, burglary at 591, vehicle theft at 56 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Van Wert receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Van Wert vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 215.7/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 93.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 121.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,151.4/100K |
| 61% above US avg |
| Burglary | 590.9/100K |
| Theft | 2,504.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 56.3/100K |
| Arson | 28.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Van Wert experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°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 40.4 inches. The area receives 17.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 777 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 777 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,422/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8648°N, 84.5885°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Van Wert County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
50 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
54 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
45 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
18 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
22 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
84 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
455 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 56 fatalities, 1,133 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
18 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
13 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
70 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
52 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Van Wert has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Van Wert. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Wert
What is the population of Van Wert?
Van Wert has a population of 10,710 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,422 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Van Wert expensive to live in?
Van Wert is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,632, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,700 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Van Wert safe?
Van Wert is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 216 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,151 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Van Wert receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Van Wert?
Van Wert has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Van Wert?
The job market in Van Wert is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $950. There are 658 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Van Wert?
The median home value in Van Wert is $109,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,783. For renters, the median monthly rent is $739. Fair market rent is $762 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,981.
How are the schools in Van Wert?
Schools in Van Wert score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Van Wert hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Van Wert?
The obesity rate in Van Wert is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,210.
What is transportation like in Van Wert?
The average commute in Van Wert is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Van Wert?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Wert is 90.7% White, 1% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.