Median Income
$72,083
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$149,100
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
269/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.0%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% 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
Population375
Median Age29.1 yrs
Density577/mi²
Male / Female60% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans12.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,083
Per Capita$28,950
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,596M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$149,100
Rent$950
Ownership57.0%
Zillow$272,939
Housing Units168
Rent Burden15.6%
Crime
F
Violent269/100K
Property4,213/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking14.1%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation956 ft (291 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.0%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score4.98
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute25 min
Broadband94.8%
EV Stations12
Libraries1
Is Waldo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waldo receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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. Waldo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waldo is $72,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waldo is $149,100, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waldo is below the national average at 269 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,213 per 100,000, 115% above the national average.
Education
25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waldo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches, including 24.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Waldo has a population of 375 with a density of 577 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 29.1 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.5% female and 59.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 12.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.1yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Waldo is $72,083, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,950 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,049, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (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 1,250 business establishments, including 112 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,083 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,950 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,049 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,142 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,250 |
| County GDP | $3,596M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 112 |
| Healthcare | 144 |
| Retail | 164 |
| Manufacturing | 67 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,762 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Waldo is $149,100, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,939, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,762. 15.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $149,100 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $272,939 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.0% |
| Housing Units | 168 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,762 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.52% |
In Waldo, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,627. The dentist ratio is 1:1,701. 80.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waldo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,627 |
| Dentists | 1:1,701 |
| Mental Health | 1:377 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,206/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 144 |
Waldo has a violent crime rate of 269 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,213 per 100,000, 115% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waldo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waldo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 269.3/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,213.3/100K |
| 115% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waldo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.5 inches. The area receives 24.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 956 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 956 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 577/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4598°N, 83.0848°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
105 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
125 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
85 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 24 fatalities, 610 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
92 km |
3 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
16 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 km |
4 |
| Jul 28, 1961 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1950 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Waldo has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 28°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.9").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waldo
What is the population of Waldo?
Waldo has a population of 375 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 577 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.5% female and 59.5% male.
Is Waldo expensive to live in?
Waldo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,083, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $149,100 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waldo safe?
Waldo is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 269 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,213 per 100,000 (above 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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches, with 24.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Waldo?
The job market in Waldo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,049. There are 1,250 business establishments in the area, including 112 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waldo?
The median home value in Waldo is $149,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,939. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,762.
How are the schools in Waldo?
Schools in Waldo score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.0% of adults in Waldo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waldo?
The obesity rate in Waldo is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,627.
What is transportation like in Waldo?
The average commute in Waldo is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waldo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waldo is 83.7% White. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 12.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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