Median Income
$80,556
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$162,100
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
34/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$783
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Walker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population731
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density975/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,556
Per Capita$30,368
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,100
Rent$783
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$277,609
Housing Units298
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent34/100K
Property653/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking13.7%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation891 ft (272 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute33 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Walker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walker receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Walker offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walker is $80,556, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walker is $162,100, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Walker is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 34 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 653 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Walker experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Walker has a population of 731 with a density of 975 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Walker is $80,556, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,368 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,556 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,368 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Walker is $162,100, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,609, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $783 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 298 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,100 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,609 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $783 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 298 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Walker, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 19.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582. The dentist ratio is 1:2,959. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Walker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.9% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,582 |
| Dentists | 1:2,959 |
| Mental Health | 1:690 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,284/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Walker has a violent crime rate of 34 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 653 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Walker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Walker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 33.5/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 653.3/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Walker experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 891 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 891 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 975/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2875°N, 91.7815°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buchanan County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
620 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 504 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
95 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
44 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Walker has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Walker. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $687 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walker
What is the population of Walker?
Walker has a population of 731 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 975 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Walker expensive to live in?
Walker is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,556, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,100 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Walker safe?
Walker is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 34 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 653 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Walker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walker?
Walker has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Walker?
Walker has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walker?
The median home value in Walker is $162,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,609. For renters, the median monthly rent is $783. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Walker?
Schools in Walker score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.2% of adults in Walker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walker?
The obesity rate in Walker is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 19.9% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582.
What is transportation like in Walker?
The average commute in Walker is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walker is 96.4% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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