Median Income
$59,375
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,800
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
309/100K
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
87% lower than US avg
How Wapella Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population465
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density845/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,375
Per Capita$38,620
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty1.6%
County GDP$1,629M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,800
Rent$950
Ownership90.2%
Zillow$167,148
Housing Units260
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent309/100K
Property1,669/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking14.2%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation744 ft (227 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Wapella a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wapella 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 below-average incomes. Wapella offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wapella is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wapella is $101,800, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wapella is below the national average at 309 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,669 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wapella experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wapella has a population of 465 with a density of 845 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.4% of residents, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.4%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.6%
51% below US avg
The median household income in Wapella is $59,375, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,620. The average weekly wage is $1,292. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 346 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,375 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,620 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,292 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,073 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.6% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 346 |
| County GDP | $1,629M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,043 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.2% |
The median home value in Wapella is $101,800, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,148, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 260 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,043 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,800 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,148 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.8% |
| Housing Units | 260 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,043 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.95% |
In Wapella, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,068. The dentist ratio is 1:2,552. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wapella vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,068 |
| Dentists | 1:2,552 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,537 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,246/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Wapella has a violent crime rate of 309 per 100,000 residents, 19% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,669 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wapella receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wapella vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 308.6/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,669.5/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wapella experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 744 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 744 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 845/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2218°N, 88.9612°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | De Witt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
138 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
149 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
802 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 848 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Wapella has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Wapella. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Wapella
What is the population of Wapella?
Wapella has a population of 465 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 845 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Wapella expensive to live in?
Wapella has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,800 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wapella safe?
Wapella is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 309 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,669 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wapella receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wapella?
Wapella has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wapella?
The job market in Wapella is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,292. There are 346 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 14.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wapella?
The median home value in Wapella is $101,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,148. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,043.
How are the schools in Wapella?
Schools in Wapella score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Wapella hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wapella?
The obesity rate in Wapella is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,068.
What is transportation like in Wapella?
The average commute in Wapella is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wapella?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wapella is 94.2% White. 93.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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