Median Income
$57,500
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,300
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$808
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.3%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Wakefield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,288
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density1,215/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,500
Per Capita$23,108
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$480M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,300
Rent$808
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$192,600
Housing Units490
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property3,662/100K
Health
Obesity44.3%
Uninsured19.0%
Smoking14.1%
Depression15.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,391 ft (424 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+59.8%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Wakefield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wakefield receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Wakefield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wakefield is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wakefield is $110,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $808 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wakefield is below the national average at 156 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the national average.
Education
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Wakefield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wakefield has a population of 1,288 with a density of 1,215 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (48.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 55.9% of residents, while 44.1% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wakefield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
55.9%
29% below US avg
Spanish
44.1%
229% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Wakefield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wakefield is $57,500, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,108 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wakefield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,500 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,108 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,189 |
| Gini Index | 0.488 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $480M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Wakefield is $110,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,600, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $808 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 490 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,600 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $808 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 490 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Wakefield, 44.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 32.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 15.4% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 19.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,545. The dentist ratio is 1:2,732. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wakefield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 8.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.7% |
| Depression | 15.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.7% |
| Uninsured | 19.0% |
| 121% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,545 |
| Dentists | 1:2,732 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,491 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Wakefield has a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wakefield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wakefield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,661.8/100K |
| 87% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wakefield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. The area receives 35.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,391 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,391 ft (424 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,215/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2667°N, 96.8629°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dixon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.7"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
59 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 380 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Wakefield has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Wakefield. 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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wakefield
What is the population of Wakefield?
Wakefield has a population of 1,288 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,215 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Wakefield expensive to live in?
Wakefield 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 $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,300 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $808 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wakefield safe?
Wakefield is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wakefield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wakefield?
Wakefield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.7 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wakefield?
Wakefield has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wakefield?
The median home value in Wakefield is $110,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $808. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Wakefield?
Schools in Wakefield score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.4% of adults in Wakefield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.8% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wakefield?
The obesity rate in Wakefield is 44.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 32.7% are physically inactive. 15.4% of residents report depression. 19.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,545.
What is transportation like in Wakefield?
The average commute in Wakefield is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wakefield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wakefield is 48.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 55.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 44.1% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
