Median Income
$76,008
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$202,400
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,214
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.4%
78% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Wakarusa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,519
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,145/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Economy
B+
Median Income$76,008
Per Capita$29,548
Unemployment6.4%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$19,493M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,400
Rent$1,214
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$305,689
Health
Obesity40.4%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.9 in/yr
Elevation858 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+85.9%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute29 min
Libraries15
Is Wakarusa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wakarusa receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Wakarusa stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wakarusa is $76,008, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wakarusa is $202,400, 28% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,214 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wakarusa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.9 inches, including 36.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Wakarusa has a population of 2,519 with a density of 1,145 people per square mile. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), with 1.7% Black.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 91.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Spanish | 8.5% |
| 37% below US avg |
The median household income in Wakarusa is $76,008, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,008 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,548 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,799 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.4% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,539 |
| County GDP | $19,493M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 630 |
| Healthcare | 722 |
| Retail | 895 |
| Manufacturing | 315 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Wakarusa is $202,400, 28% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,214 (4% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,689.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,400 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,689 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,214 |
| 4% above US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.37% |
In Wakarusa, 40.4% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.7% report depression. 20.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Wakarusa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,846/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 722 |
Crime Rates: Wakarusa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
Safety Score
Wakarusa has an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation is 41.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 41.9 inches |
| 10% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 36.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 858 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,145/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5312°N, 86.0133°W |
| County FIPS | 18141 |