Median Income
$74,000
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,000
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
143/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.8%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How WaKeeney Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,838
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density1,033/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$74,000
Per Capita$45,641
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$186M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,000
Rent$719
Ownership77.9%
Zillow$126,528
Housing Units967
Rent Burden40.9%
Crime
F
Violent143/100K
Property906/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.5%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain23.9 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,452 ft (747 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.8%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute13 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is WaKeeney a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, WaKeeney receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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 high obesity rates. WaKeeney offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in WaKeeney is $74,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 WaKeeney is $118,000, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
WaKeeney is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 906 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
29.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
WaKeeney experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.9 inches, including 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
WaKeeney has a population of 1,838 with a density of 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in WaKeeney is $74,000, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,641 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $865, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 113 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,000 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,641 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $865 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,419 |
| Gini Index | 0.380 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 113 |
| County GDP | $186M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in WaKeeney is $118,000, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,528. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 967 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 40.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,000 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,528 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $719 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.1% |
| Housing Units | 967 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
In WaKeeney, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,200. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: WaKeeney vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,200 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,659/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
WaKeeney has a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 906 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, WaKeeney receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: WaKeeney vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.0/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 905.6/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
WaKeeney experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 326 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 23.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,452 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,452 ft (747 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,033/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0234°N, 99.8815°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Graham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.9"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
83 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
45 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
29 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
46 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
44 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
27 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
27 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
41 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
0 km SE of Glen Elder, Kansas |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
26 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
26 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
27 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
43 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
58 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
654 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
1 km |
5 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1990 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
57 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
43 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
23 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
80 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
WaKeeney has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in WaKeeney. 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 WaKeeney
What is the population of WaKeeney?
WaKeeney has a population of 1,838 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is WaKeeney expensive to live in?
WaKeeney is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $74,000, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,000 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is WaKeeney safe?
WaKeeney is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 906 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, WaKeeney receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in WaKeeney?
WaKeeney has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.9 inches, with 20.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in WaKeeney?
The job market in WaKeeney is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $865. There are 113 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in WaKeeney?
The median home value in WaKeeney is $118,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,528. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.9%.
How are the schools in WaKeeney?
Schools in WaKeeney score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.8% of adults in WaKeeney hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is WaKeeney?
The obesity rate in WaKeeney is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,200.
What is transportation like in WaKeeney?
The average commute in WaKeeney is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of WaKeeney?
The racial and ethnic makeup of WaKeeney is 94.2% White. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
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