Median Income
$29,922
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
751/100K
98% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.1%
97% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$610
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Walker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population371
Median Age49.3 yrs
Density1,197/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$29,922
Per Capita$19,823
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty9.6%
Commute27 min
Housing
A
Rent$610
Ownership75.9%
Zillow$203,370
Housing Units153
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent751/100K
Property6,891/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured13.6%
Smoking27.8%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation856 ft (261 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.1%
High School+85.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations5
Is Walker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walker receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Walker has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walker is $29,922, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $610 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 751 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,891 per 100,000, 252% above the national average.
Education
1.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Walker enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Walker has a population of 371 with a density of 1,197 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 49.3 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.2% female and 62.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 39.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 60.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.3yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Walker is $29,922, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,823 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,922 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,823 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,370. Monthly rent averages $610 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 153 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $610 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.1% |
| Housing Units | 153 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
In Walker, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 27.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 38.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.3% experience frequent mental distress. 13.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Walker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 12.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.8% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.7% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 23.3% |
| Physical Distress | 19.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 60.9% |
| Uninsured | 13.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 45.2% |
Food & Exercise
Walker has a violent crime rate of 751 per 100,000 residents, 98% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,891 per 100,000, 252% above the U.S. average. Overall, Walker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Walker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 750.9/100K |
| 98% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,891.1/100K |
| 252% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Walker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. The area receives 3.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 856 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 856 ft (261 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,197/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8986°N, 94.2322°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2018.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
67 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
67 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
461 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 188 fatalities, 1,527 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
99 km |
158 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
93 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
45 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
55 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,023 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
51 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
42 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
35 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
37 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,294 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,282 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,045 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
940 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
938 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
869 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
35 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
849 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
840 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
35°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Walker has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.5").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Walker
What is the population of Walker?
Walker has a population of 371 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,197 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.2% female and 62.8% male.
Is Walker expensive to live in?
Walker is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $29,922, 60% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $610 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Walker safe?
Public safety is a concern in Walker, with a violent crime rate of 751 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,891 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Walker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walker?
Walker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches, with 3.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Walker?
The job market in Walker is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walker?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $610. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.9%.
How are the schools in Walker?
Schools in Walker score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.1% of adults in Walker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walker?
The obesity rate in Walker is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.8% of adults are smokers. 38.7% are physically inactive. 30.0% of residents report depression. 13.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Walker?
The average commute in Walker is 27 minutes. 86.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walker is 93% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 39.4% of residents have a disability. 60.9% have health insurance coverage.