Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$21,900
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.9%
94% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$805
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.7%
75% higher than US avg
How Wamac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population794
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density559/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$28,937
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty21.7%
County GDP$1,581M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$21,900
Rent$805
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$42,521
Rent Burden21.6%
Health
Obesity43.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.2 in/yr
Elevation499 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.9%
High School+82.2%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband84.7%
Libraries5
Is Wamac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wamac receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Wamac has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wamac is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 21.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wamac is $21,900, 92% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $805 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.
Education
1.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Wamac experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches, including 11.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wamac has a population of 794 with a density of 559 people per square mile. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 1.8% Hispanic.
Population
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
The median household income in Wamac is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,937 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,389 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.7% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 940 |
| County GDP | $1,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,038 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 23.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Wamac is $21,900, 92% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $805 (31% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $42,521.
Home Values
| Census Median | $21,900 |
| 92% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $42,521 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $805 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,038 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 23.00% |
In Wamac, 43.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.5% report depression. 28.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Wamac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,626/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
Crime Rates: Wamac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
Safety Score
Wamac has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation is 42.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 42.2 inches |
| 11% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 11.7 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 499 ft (152 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 559/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4909°N, 89.1479°W |
| County FIPS | 17027 |