Median Income
$67,721
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$216,700
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
107/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$835
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Waterville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,778
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density1,052/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,721
Per Capita$34,940
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$1,243M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$216,700
Rent$835
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$310,019
Housing Units1,022
Rent Burden40.3%
Crime
F
Violent107/100K
Property587/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault107/100K
Burglary53/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.2%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,008 ft (307 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute26 min
Broadband91.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Waterville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterville receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. 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 $67,721, 10% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterville is $216,700, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $835 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Waterville is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 587 per 100,000, 70% below the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 52.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waterville has a population of 1,778 with a density of 1,052 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waterville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waterville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waterville is $67,721, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,940 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,053, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 790 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waterville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,721 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,940 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,053 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,276 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 790 |
| County GDP | $1,243M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 67 |
| Retail | 78 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,786 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Waterville is $216,700, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,019, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $835 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,022 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,786 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $216,700 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,019 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $835 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,022 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,786 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Waterville, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,210. The dentist ratio is 1:3,239. 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,210 |
| Dentists | 1:3,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,721 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 69.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,478/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 67 |
Waterville has a violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 106.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 587 per 100,000, 70% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 480, burglary at 53, vehicle theft at 53 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waterville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waterville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 106.7/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 106.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 587.0/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| Burglary | 53.4/100K |
| Theft | 480.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 53.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 134 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waterville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 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 37.9 inches. The area receives 52.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,008 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,008 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,052/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2219°N, 93.5726°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Le Sueur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
35 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
591 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 1,237 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
73 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
16 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
29 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
60 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
57 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Waterville has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February 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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $592 |
| Toddler | $534 |
| Preschool | $548 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterville
What is the population of Waterville?
Waterville has a population of 1,778 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,052 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Waterville expensive to live in?
Waterville has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $67,721, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $216,700 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $835 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waterville safe?
Waterville is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 587 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waterville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waterville?
Waterville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 52.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waterville?
Waterville has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,053. There are 790 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville is $216,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,019. For renters, the median monthly rent is $835. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,786.
How are the schools in Waterville?
Schools in Waterville score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Waterville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterville?
The obesity rate in Waterville is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,210.
What is transportation like in Waterville?
The average commute in Waterville is 26 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterville is 88.5% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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