Median Income
$69,167
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
362/100K
5% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wallingford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population174
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density176/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,167
Per Capita$38,629
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$519M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,300
Ownership89.5%
Zillow$170,541
Housing Units75
Rent Burden12.5%
Crime
F
Violent362/100K
Property1,120/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking13.5%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,270 ft (387 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+80.3%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute25 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Wallingford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wallingford receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Wallingford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wallingford is $69,167, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 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 Wallingford is $73,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wallingford is below the national average at 362 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,120 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wallingford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wallingford has a population of 174 with a density of 176 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (70.1%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wallingford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wallingford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wallingford is $69,167, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,629. The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (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 330 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wallingford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,167 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,629 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,021 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 330 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Wallingford is $73,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,541, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 75 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $3,190. 12.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $170,541 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.5% |
| Housing Units | 75 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.35% |
In Wallingford, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553. The dentist ratio is 1:2,294. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wallingford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,553 |
| Dentists | 1:2,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:385 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Wallingford has a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 residents, 5% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,120 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wallingford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wallingford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 362.3/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,119.7/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wallingford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,270 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,270 ft (387 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 176/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3203°N, 94.7922°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.7"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
555 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 202 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
78 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
18 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Wallingford has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Wallingford. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wallingford
What is the population of Wallingford?
Wallingford has a population of 174 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 176 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Wallingford expensive to live in?
Wallingford 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 $69,167, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,300 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wallingford safe?
Wallingford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,120 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wallingford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wallingford?
Wallingford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wallingford?
The job market in Wallingford is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 330 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wallingford?
The median home value in Wallingford is $73,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,541. The homeownership rate is 89.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,190.
How are the schools in Wallingford?
Schools in Wallingford score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Wallingford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.3% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wallingford?
The obesity rate in Wallingford is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553.
What is transportation like in Wallingford?
The average commute in Wallingford is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wallingford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wallingford is 70.1% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.