Median Income
$47,137
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$129,200
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
256/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$711
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Wagner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,555
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density836/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,137
Per Capita$28,959
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$600M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$129,200
Rent$711
Ownership59.1%
Zillow$233,084
Housing Units605
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent256/100K
Property1,025/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault192/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking24.0%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,445 ft (440 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+87.6%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute13 min
Broadband67.8%
Libraries4
Is Wagner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wagner 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 a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wagner offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wagner is $47,137, 37% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wagner is $129,200, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $711 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wagner is below the national average at 256 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,025 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wagner experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Wagner has a population of 1,555 with a density of 836 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (49.5%), with 46.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.3% of residents, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.3%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.7%
35% below US avg
The median household income in Wagner is $47,137, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,959 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 377 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,137 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,959 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,614 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 377 |
| County GDP | $600M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Wagner is $129,200, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,084, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $711 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 605 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,700. 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $129,200 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,084 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $711 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.9% |
| Housing Units | 605 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,700 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.86% |
In Wagner, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 24.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 31.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.1% report depression. 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054. The dentist ratio is 1:1,843. 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wagner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.0% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.6% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,054 |
| Dentists | 1:1,843 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,779/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Wagner 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 192.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 64.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,025 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 833, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 192 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wagner receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wagner vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.3/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 64.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 192.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,025.0/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 832.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 192.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wagner experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 291 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 26.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,445 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,445 ft (440 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 836/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0770°N, 98.2914°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Charles Mix County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.3"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
60 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
37 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
81 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
35 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
78 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
77 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
51 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
470 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 330 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,875 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
36 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
47 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Wagner has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Wagner. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133-$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177-$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89-$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709-$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354-$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89-$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133-$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544-$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354-$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873-$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443-$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430-$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772-$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709-$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177-$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886-$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66-$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22-$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66-$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54-$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66-$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063-$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532-$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443-$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177-$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354-$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430-$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89-$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wagner
What is the population of Wagner?
Wagner has a population of 1,555 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 836 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Wagner expensive to live in?
Wagner is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,137, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,200 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $711 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wagner safe?
Wagner 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 1,025 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wagner receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wagner?
Wagner has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Wagner?
Wagner has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 377 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wagner?
The median home value in Wagner is $129,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,084. For renters, the median monthly rent is $711. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,700.
How are the schools in Wagner?
Schools in Wagner score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Wagner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wagner?
The obesity rate in Wagner is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.0% of adults are smokers. 31.5% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 13.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,054.
What is transportation like in Wagner?
The average commute in Wagner is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wagner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wagner is 49.5% White, 46.4% Hispanic or Latino. 91.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
