Median Income
$117,500
56% higher than US avg
Home Value
$309,900
10% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.4%
5% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$717
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.7%
94% lower than US avg
How Wardsville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,505
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density435/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$117,500
Per Capita$40,679
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty0.7%
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$309,900
Rent$717
Ownership85.2%
Zillow$366,895
Housing Units574
Rent Burden19.5%
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured0.8%
Smoking13.0%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
Rain39.7 in/yr
Elevation801 ft (244 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.4%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+10.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute18 min
Broadband93.1%
EV Stations13
Is Wardsville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wardsville receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Wardsville stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wardsville is $117,500, which is significantly higher than the national average / 56% above $75,149. This places Wardsville among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wardsville is $309,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wardsville 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. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches, including 8.9 inches of snow.
Wardsville has a population of 1,505 with a density of 435 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,505
Total Population
2023 Census
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wardsville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wardsville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wardsville is $117,500, which is 56% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,679. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Wardsville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $117,500 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,679 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.7% |
| 94% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.3% |
The median home value in Wardsville is $309,900, 10% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,895, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $717 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 574 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $309,900 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $366,895 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $717 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.8% |
| Housing Units | 574 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
In Wardsville, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 0.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Wardsville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 0.8% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
Food & Exercise
Wardsville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches. The area receives 8.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 801 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 435/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.4889°N, 92.1743°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.7"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.89"
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
54 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
114 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
385 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 16 fatalities, 261 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
4 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
87 km |
4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2008 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
96 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,831 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,575 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,569 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Wardsville has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Wardsville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Wardsville
What is the population of Wardsville?
Wardsville has a population of 1,505 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 435 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Wardsville expensive to live in?
Wardsville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $117,500, 56% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $309,900 (10% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Wardsville?
Wardsville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.7 inches, with 8.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Wardsville?
The job market in Wardsville is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 14.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wardsville?
The median home value in Wardsville is $309,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,895. For renters, the median monthly rent is $717. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.2%.
How are the schools in Wardsville?
Schools in Wardsville score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.4% of adults in Wardsville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wardsville?
The obesity rate in Wardsville is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 0.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Wardsville?
The average commute in Wardsville is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wardsville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wardsville is 98.9% White. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.