Median Income
$35,781
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,500
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.3%
297% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Walters Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population82
Median Age51.0 yrs
Density410/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans60.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$35,781
Per Capita$18,859
Unemployment14.3%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$788M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,500
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$99,078
Housing Units42
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property621/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking17.3%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,256 ft (383 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute25 min
Broadband37.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is Walters a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walters receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Walters offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walters is $35,781, 52% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.3%, unemployment is notably high. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walters is $52,500, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Walters is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 621 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Walters experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 14°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 34.5 inches, including 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Walters has a population of 82 with a density of 410 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 51.0 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.1% female and 65.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 60.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.0yrs
Median Age
31% 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 Walters is $35,781, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,859 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 492 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,781 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,859 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,356 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.3% |
| 297% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 492 |
| County GDP | $788M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,944 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Walters is $52,500, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,078, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 42 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,944 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,500 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $99,078 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 42 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,944 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.61% |
In Walters, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.3% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,987. The dentist ratio is 1:2,785. 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Walters vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,987 |
| Dentists | 1:2,785 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,261 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,137/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Walters has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 621 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Walters receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Walters vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 620.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Walters experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 14°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 34.5 inches. The area receives 40.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,256 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,256 ft (383 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6049°N, 93.6743°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Faribault County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
70 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
581 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 31 fatalities, 472 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
90 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
4 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
25 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
20 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
60 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Walters has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Walters. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $642 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walters
What is the population of Walters?
Walters has a population of 82 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 410 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.1% female and 65.9% male.
Is Walters expensive to live in?
Walters has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $35,781, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $52,500 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Walters safe?
Walters is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 621 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Walters receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walters?
Walters has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 34.5 inches, with 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Walters?
The job market in Walters faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 492 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walters?
The median home value in Walters is $52,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,078. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,944.
How are the schools in Walters?
Schools in Walters score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Walters hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walters?
The obesity rate in Walters is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,987.
What is transportation like in Walters?
The average commute in Walters is 25 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walters?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walters is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 60.0% of the population are military veterans. 24.7% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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