Median Income
$76,125
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$158,300
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
652/100K
71% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$852
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
67% lower than US avg
How Waterville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,682
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density1,185/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,125
Per Capita$37,650
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty4.1%
County GDP$3,091M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,300
Rent$852
Ownership55.8%
Zillow$208,780
Housing Units782
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent652/100K
Property3,835/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking13.5%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain44.0 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,208 ft (368 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 43%
Commute22 min
Broadband81.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is Waterville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterville receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 elevated crime rates. 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 $76,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 4.1% 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 Waterville is $158,300, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 652 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waterville has a population of 1,682 with a density of 1,185 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waterville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waterville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waterville is $76,125, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,650. The average weekly wage is $1,083, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,634 business establishments, including 160 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waterville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,125 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,650 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,083 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,634 |
| County GDP | $3,091M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 160 |
| Healthcare | 159 |
| Retail | 200 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,682 |
| 177% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Waterville is $158,300, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,780, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $852 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 782 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $9,682 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,300 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,780 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $852 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.2% |
| Housing Units | 782 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,682 |
| 177% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.12% |
In Waterville, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,353. The dentist ratio is 1:2,796. 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,353 |
| Dentists | 1:2,796 |
| Mental Health | 1:403 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,940/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 159 |
Waterville has a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 residents, 71% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 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 | 651.5/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,834.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 91 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waterville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,208 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,208 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,185/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9306°N, 75.3802°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Griffiss International (RME)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.0"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 29, 2024.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 23, 2023 |
New York |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
111 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 |
0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Sep 29, 1994 |
13 km WNW of North Creek, New York |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
87 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Apr 14, 2023 |
1 km W of Adams Center, New York |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
13 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.6 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
241 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
154 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 43 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
22 km |
4 |
| May 29, 2013 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
58 km |
2 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1977 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
35 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
Waterville has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 21°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.6").
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) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterville
What is the population of Waterville?
Waterville has a population of 1,682 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,185 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Waterville expensive to live in?
Waterville is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $76,125, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,300 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waterville safe?
Public safety is a concern in Waterville, with a violent crime rate of 652 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000 (above 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waterville?
The job market in Waterville is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,083. There are 1,634 business establishments in the area, including 160 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville is $158,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,780. For renters, the median monthly rent is $852. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.8%. The average annual property tax is $9,682.
How are the schools in Waterville?
Schools in Waterville score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Waterville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterville?
The obesity rate in Waterville is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,353.
What is transportation like in Waterville?
The average commute in Waterville is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterville is 95.4% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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