Median Income
$75,833
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.0%
97% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,069
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
31% lower than US avg
How Waltham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population185
Median Age30.8 yrs
Density385/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans1.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$75,833
Per Capita$21,742
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty8.5%
County GDP$2,995M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$1,069
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$274,137
Housing Units68
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property2,362/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.7%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,316 ft (401 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.0%
High School+84.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute19 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations15
Libraries4
Is Waltham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waltham receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Waltham has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waltham is $75,833, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waltham is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,069 per month. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waltham is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,362 per 100,000, 21% above the national average.
Education
1.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Waltham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°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 36.2 inches, including 43.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waltham has a population of 185 with a density of 385 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 30.8 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.5% of residents, while 23.5% speak Spanish. 1.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.8yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.5%
3% below US avg
Spanish
23.5%
75% above US avg
The median household income in Waltham is $75,833, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,742 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,174, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 900 business establishments, including 69 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,833 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,742 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,174 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,979 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 900 |
| County GDP | $2,995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 69 |
| Healthcare | 109 |
| Retail | 119 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,183 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.9% |
The median home value in Waltham is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,137, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,069 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $4,183 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% 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 | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,137 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,069 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,183 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.72% |
In Waltham, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 24.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362. The dentist ratio is 1:1,825. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waltham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,362 |
| Dentists | 1:1,825 |
| Mental Health | 1:598 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,955/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 109 |
Waltham has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,362 per 100,000, 21% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waltham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waltham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 266.5/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,362.1/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waltham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°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 36.2 inches. The area receives 43.4 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 1,316 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,316 ft (401 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 385/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8193°N, 92.8746°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mower County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
580 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 310 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
52 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 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 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
80 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Waltham has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Waltham. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waltham
What is the population of Waltham?
Waltham has a population of 185 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 385 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is Waltham expensive to live in?
Waltham 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 $75,833, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,069 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waltham safe?
Waltham is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,362 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waltham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waltham?
Waltham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 36.2 inches, with 43.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waltham?
The unemployment rate in Waltham is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,174. There are 900 business establishments in the area, including 69 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 15.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waltham?
The median home value in Waltham is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,137. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,069. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,183.
How are the schools in Waltham?
Schools in Waltham score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.0% of adults in Waltham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waltham?
The obesity rate in Waltham is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362.
What is transportation like in Waltham?
The average commute in Waltham is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waltham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waltham is 100% White. 76.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.5% speak Spanish. 1.9% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.