Median Income
$40,750
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
448/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Waldo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population22
Median Age71.6 yrs
Density58/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans22.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,750
Per Capita$41,382
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$184M
Housing
Ownership53.8%
Zillow$71,068
Housing Units44
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent448/100K
Property1,388/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Smoking16.8%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,720 ft (524 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+17.0%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Broadband13.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Waldo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waldo receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Waldo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waldo is $40,750, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 448 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,388 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waldo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°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 28.6 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Waldo has a population of 22 with a density of 58 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 71.6 years, 84% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.4% female and 63.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 22.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
71.6yrs
Median Age
84% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
The median household income in Waldo is $40,750, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,382. The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 169 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,750 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,382 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,684 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 169 |
| County GDP | $184M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $71,068. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 53.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 44 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 53.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.2% |
| Housing Units | 44 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Waldo, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498. The dentist ratio is 1:1,745. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waldo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,498 |
| Dentists | 1:1,745 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,142 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,625/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Waldo has a violent crime rate of 448 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,388 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. Overall, Waldo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waldo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 447.8/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,388.3/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waldo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.6 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 1,720 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.2°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,720 ft (524 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 58/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1200°N, 98.7983°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osborne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
201 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 |
55 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
141 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
141 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
141 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
90 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
97 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
76 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
53 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
91 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
56 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
89 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
91 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
55 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 |
2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas |
M3.4 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
713 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 205 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
94 km |
5 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
21 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
NESS/ELLIS COUNTY |
14,699 |
82 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
38 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
29 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,401 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
41 km |
| 2015 |
190TH |
3,024 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
66 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,684 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
77 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
26 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Waldo has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 28°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Waldo. 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 Waldo
What is the population of Waldo?
Waldo has a population of 22 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 58 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.4% female and 63.6% male.
Is Waldo expensive to live in?
Waldo 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 $40,750, 46% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Waldo safe?
The violent crime rate in Waldo is 448 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 1,388 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waldo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waldo?
Waldo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°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 28.6 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Waldo?
The job market in Waldo is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 169 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Waldo?
Schools in Waldo score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.7% of adults in Waldo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waldo?
The obesity rate in Waldo is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498.
What are the demographics of Waldo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waldo is 100% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 22.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.4% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
