Median Income
$70,625
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,300
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Waterville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population748
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density1,527/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,625
Per Capita$31,239
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$704M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,300
Rent$917
Ownership85.8%
Zillow$158,199
Housing Units371
Rent Burden23.6%
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking18.4%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Elevation1,175 ft (358 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+84.0%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Waterville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterville receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Waterville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waterville is $70,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterville is $90,300, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waterville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 13.3 inches of snow.
Waterville has a population of 748 with a density of 1,527 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.3% female and 41.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.7%), with 6.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
748
Total Population
2023 Census
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waterville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waterville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waterville is $70,625, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,239 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $945, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 413 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waterville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,625 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,239 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $945 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,725 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 413 |
| County GDP | $704M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 59 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,167 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Waterville is $90,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,199, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 371 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,167. 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $158,199 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.2% |
| Housing Units | 371 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,167 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.51% |
In Waterville, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,663. The dentist ratio is 1:1,426. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,663 |
| Dentists | 1:1,426 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,104 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,485/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Waterville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 13.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,175 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,175 ft (358 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,527/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6917°N, 96.7468°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.84"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
147 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
109 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
615 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 390 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1978 |
EF3 |
52 km |
3 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURLEY HILL (16,381 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
23 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
56 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
7,758 |
50 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,465 |
56 km |
| 2015 |
IMPACT |
7,242 |
56 km |
| 2014 |
MOYER RANCH |
6,641 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
IMPACT COMPLEX |
5,233 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,159 |
57 km |
| 2012 |
CALFEX COMPLEX |
5,122 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,425 |
58 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
23 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,595 |
54 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Waterville has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 27°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Waterville. 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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterville
What is the population of Waterville?
Waterville has a population of 748 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,527 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.3% female and 41.7% male.
Is Waterville expensive to live in?
Waterville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,625, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Waterville?
Waterville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 13.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Waterville?
The job market in Waterville is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $945. There are 413 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville is $90,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,199. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,167.
How are the schools in Waterville?
Schools in Waterville score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.0% of adults in Waterville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterville?
The obesity rate in Waterville is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,663.
What is transportation like in Waterville?
The average commute in Waterville is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterville is 89.7% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.