Median Income
$53,661
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$25,800
91% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
180/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$438
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.5%
98% higher than US avg
How Walnut Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population230
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density156/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,661
Per Capita$26,088
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty24.5%
County GDP$788M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$25,800
Rent$438
Ownership88.6%
Zillow$130,239
Housing Units103
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent180/100K
Property1,621/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking18.8%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain44.7 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation935 ft (285 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute27 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Walnut a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walnut receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Walnut has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walnut is $53,661, 29% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 24.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walnut is $25,800, 91% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $438 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Walnut is below the national average at 180 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,621 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Walnut 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. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.7 inches, including 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Walnut has a population of 230 with a density of 156 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 78.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% 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 Walnut is $53,661, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,088 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $891, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 492 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,661 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,088 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $891 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,526 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.5% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 492 |
| County GDP | $788M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,442 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 13.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 36.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Walnut is $25,800, 91% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,239, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $438 (62% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,442. 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $25,800 |
| 91% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,239 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $438 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.4% |
| Housing Units | 103 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,442 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.34% |
In Walnut, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,578. The dentist ratio is 1:3,121. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Walnut vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,578 |
| Dentists | 1:3,121 |
| Mental Health | 1:907 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,635/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Walnut has a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,621 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. Overall, Walnut receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Walnut vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 180.1/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,621.0/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Walnut 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. The area gets 305 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 44.7 inches. The area receives 9.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 935 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 935 ft (285 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 156/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6036°N, 95.0741°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Neosho County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.7"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0482 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | -0.11 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
510 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 213 fatalities, 1,954 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
75 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
67 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
21 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
59 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
49 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (20,760 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
84 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
6,373 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
81 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,676 |
97 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
28 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,952 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,823 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
VOLZ FIRE |
1,662 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
19 km |
| 2016 |
04-02-1 |
1,357 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
88 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,127 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
18 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Walnut has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Walnut. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut
What is the population of Walnut?
Walnut has a population of 230 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 156 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Walnut expensive to live in?
Walnut is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,661, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $25,800 (91% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $438 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Walnut safe?
Walnut is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,621 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Walnut receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walnut?
Walnut 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. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.7 inches, with 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Walnut?
Walnut has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $891. There are 492 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walnut?
The median home value in Walnut is $25,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,239. For renters, the median monthly rent is $438. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,442.
How are the schools in Walnut?
Schools in Walnut score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.4% of adults in Walnut hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walnut?
The obesity rate in Walnut is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,578.
What is transportation like in Walnut?
The average commute in Walnut is 27 minutes. 36.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walnut?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walnut is 95.2% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 78.1% have health insurance coverage.