Home Value
$225,000
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
510/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.9%
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.7%
169% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wakarusa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population207
Median Age65.8 yrs
Density42/mi²
Male / Female71% / 30%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans24.6%
Economy
Per Capita$52,441
Unemployment9.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$417M
Housing
Home Value$225,000
Ownership87.7%
Zillow$301,288
Housing Units137
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent510/100K
Property4,903/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking11.8%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,008 ft (307 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations21
Libraries5
Is Wakarusa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wakarusa receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Wakarusa has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 9.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wakarusa is $225,000, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 510 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,903 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Education
31.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% 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 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Wakarusa has a population of 207 with a density of 42 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 65.8 years, 69% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 29.5% female and 70.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 24.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.8yrs
Median Age
69% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
Per capita income is $52,441 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $746, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 370 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $52,441 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $746 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,496 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.7% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 370 |
| County GDP | $417M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 91.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Wakarusa is $225,000, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,288, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $3,914. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $301,288 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.3% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.74% |
In Wakarusa, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 18.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768. The dentist ratio is 1:7,827. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wakarusa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.1% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 9.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:15,768 |
| Dentists | 1:7,827 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,912 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 69.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,634/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Wakarusa has a violent crime rate of 510 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,903 per 100,000, 150% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Wakarusa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wakarusa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 509.9/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,903.2/100K |
| 150% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wakarusa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°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 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,008 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,008 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 5.0 sq mi (12.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 42/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8938°N, 95.7049°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.7"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
101 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 |
5 km NNE of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Apr 10, 2020 |
4 km SE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
7 km SW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
6 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Jun 5, 2020 |
8 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.7 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
613 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 100 fatalities, 1,343 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
19 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
53 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ANNUAL BUR (60,039 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
82 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
52 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
44 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
88 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,081 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK WALL |
8,468 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
190 AND YY RD |
7,919 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
TALLGRASS 04 |
7,733 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
TALLGRASS 2005 |
7,510 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
19 EAST TRAPS TWO SECTION NORTH |
6,804 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Wakarusa has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 30°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Wakarusa. 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 Wakarusa
What is the population of Wakarusa?
Wakarusa has a population of 207 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 42 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 29.5% female and 70.5% male.
Is Wakarusa expensive to live in?
Wakarusa is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $225,000 (20% below the U.S. median).
Is Wakarusa safe?
The violent crime rate in Wakarusa is 510 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,903 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wakarusa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wakarusa?
Wakarusa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Wakarusa?
The job market in Wakarusa faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $746. There are 370 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Wakarusa?
The median home value in Wakarusa is $225,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,288. The homeownership rate is 87.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,914.
How are the schools in Wakarusa?
Schools in Wakarusa score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.9% of adults in Wakarusa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wakarusa?
The obesity rate in Wakarusa is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 18.1% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768.
What are the demographics of Wakarusa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wakarusa is 95.2% White. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 24.6% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 83.1% have health insurance coverage.