Median Income
$84,531
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$154,800
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
223/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$794
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Wathena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,463
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density625/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,531
Per Capita$41,281
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$6,731M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,800
Rent$794
Ownership85.3%
Zillow$178,222
Housing Units707
Rent Burden22.2%
Crime
F
Violent223/100K
Property2,226/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault148/100K
Burglary593/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking16.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation815 ft (248 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Wathena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wathena receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Wathena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wathena is $84,531, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wathena is $154,800, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wathena is below the national average at 223 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,226 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Wathena experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Wathena has a population of 1,463 with a density of 625 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%), with 3.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Wathena is $84,531, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,281. The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,623 business establishments, including 200 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). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,531 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,281 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,140 |
| Gini Index | 0.473 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,623 |
| County GDP | $6,731M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 200 |
| Healthcare | 309 |
| Retail | 285 |
| Manufacturing | 79 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,254 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Wathena is $154,800, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,222, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $794 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 707 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,254. 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,800 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,222 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $192 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $794 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.7% |
| Housing Units | 707 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,254 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Wathena, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,525. The dentist ratio is 1:1,295. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wathena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,525 |
| Dentists | 1:1,295 |
| Mental Health | 1:448 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,767/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 309 |
Wathena has a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 148.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 74.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,226 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,410, burglary at 593, vehicle theft at 223 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wathena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wathena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.6/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 74.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 148.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,225.5/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| Burglary | 593.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,409.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 222.6/100K |
| Arson | 74.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wathena experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 302 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 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 815 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 815 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 625/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7611°N, 94.9275°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buchanan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
76 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
88 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
561 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 348 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 4 DELTA 21 (1,708 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
48 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
48 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
46 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Wathena has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Wathena. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Wathena
What is the population of Wathena?
Wathena has a population of 1,463 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 625 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Wathena expensive to live in?
Wathena 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 $84,531, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,800 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wathena safe?
Wathena is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,226 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wathena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wathena?
Wathena 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 78°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Wathena?
The job market in Wathena is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 2,623 business establishments in the area, including 200 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wathena?
The median home value in Wathena is $154,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,222. For renters, the median monthly rent is $794. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,254.
How are the schools in Wathena?
Schools in Wathena score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Wathena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wathena?
The obesity rate in Wathena is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,525.
What is transportation like in Wathena?
The average commute in Wathena is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wathena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wathena is 95.7% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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