Median Income
$29,922
60% lower 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
3.9%
8% higher 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
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty9.6%
Commute27 min
Housing
A
Rent$610
Ownership75.9%
Zillow$212,735
Housing Units153
Rent Burden24.1%
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured36.1%
Smoking27.8%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain46.5 in/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
Broadband78.9%
EV Stations5
Is Walker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walker receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 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.
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 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches, including 6.4 inches of snow.
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%), with 5.9% Hispanic. 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%. 35.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 63.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
371
Total Population
2023 Census
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 3.9% (above 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 | 3.9% |
| 8% above 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 $212,735. 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.
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. 36.1% 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 | 63.9% |
| Uninsured | 36.1% |
| 320% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 45.2% |
Food & Exercise
Walker enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 856 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
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
46.5"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.77"
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 |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
6.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Walker has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.8") and January the driest (1.8").
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.
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 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.5 inches, with 6.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Walker?
Walker has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average 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. 36.1% 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, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 35.0% of residents have a disability. 63.9% have health insurance coverage.