Home Value
$181,300
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
156/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.8%
95% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.5%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Waterbury Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population82
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density586/mi²
Male / Female67% / 33%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans59.0%
Economy
Per Capita$32,729
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$480M
Commute33 min
Housing
Home Value$181,300
Ownership97.6%
Zillow$220,815
Housing Units54
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent156/100K
Property3,662/100K
Health
Obesity43.5%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking18.8%
Depression17.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,289 ft (393 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.8%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute33 min
Broadband41.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Waterbury a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterbury receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Waterbury faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterbury is $181,300, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waterbury is below the national average at 156 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the national average.
Education
1.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterbury experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Waterbury has a population of 82 with a density of 586 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.9% female and 67.1% male. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 9.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 59.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 3.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waterbury vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waterbury vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $32,729 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waterbury vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $32,729 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,189 |
| Gini Index | 0.488 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $480M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Waterbury is $181,300, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,815, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 54 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,300 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,815 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.4% |
| Housing Units | 54 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.60% |
In Waterbury, 43.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.2% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,545. The dentist ratio is 1:2,732. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterbury vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.5% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 17.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,545 |
| Dentists | 1:2,732 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,491 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Waterbury has a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,662 per 100,000, 87% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waterbury receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waterbury vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.3/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,661.8/100K |
| 87% above 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 |
Waterbury experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,289 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,289 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 586/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4572°N, 96.7356°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dixon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
66 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
82 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
103 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
611 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 327 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
89 km |
4 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Waterbury has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Waterbury. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterbury
What is the population of Waterbury?
Waterbury has a population of 82 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 586 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 32.9% female and 67.1% male.
Is Waterbury expensive to live in?
Waterbury is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $181,300 (36% below the U.S. median).
Is Waterbury safe?
Waterbury is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 156 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,662 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waterbury receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waterbury?
Waterbury has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Waterbury?
The job market in Waterbury is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterbury?
The median home value in Waterbury is $181,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,815. The homeownership rate is 97.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Waterbury?
Schools in Waterbury score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.8% of adults in Waterbury hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterbury?
The obesity rate in Waterbury is 43.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 17.2% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,545.
What is transportation like in Waterbury?
The average commute in Waterbury is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterbury?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterbury is 89% White, 9.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 59.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.1% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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