Median Income
$56,250
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
274/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Waukon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,796
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density1,337/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,250
Per Capita$32,595
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$780M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,700
Rent$719
Ownership75.1%
Zillow$226,799
Housing Units1,884
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
F
Violent274/100K
Property2,107/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault274/100K
Burglary411/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking17.4%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,257 ft (383 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute18 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Waukon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waukon receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Waukon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waukon is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waukon is $133,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waukon is below the national average at 274 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,107 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waukon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Waukon has a population of 3,796 with a density of 1,337 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Waukon is $56,250, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,595 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 472 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,250 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,595 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 472 |
| County GDP | $780M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Waukon is $133,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,799, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,884 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,042. 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,799 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $719 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,884 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.28% |
In Waukon, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.3% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waukon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,741 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,519 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,990/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Waukon has a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 273.7 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 2,107 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,642, burglary at 411, vehicle theft at 55 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Waukon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waukon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 273.7/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 273.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,107.3/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| Burglary | 410.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,642.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 54.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waukon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,257 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,257 ft (383 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,337/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2685°N, 91.4785°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Allamakee County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 304 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
76 km |
5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1964 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Waukon has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Waukon. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $688 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waukon
What is the population of Waukon?
Waukon has a population of 3,796 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,337 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Waukon expensive to live in?
Waukon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,250, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waukon safe?
Waukon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,107 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waukon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waukon?
Waukon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Waukon?
Waukon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 472 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waukon?
The median home value in Waukon is $133,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,799. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,042.
How are the schools in Waukon?
Schools in Waukon score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.0% of adults in Waukon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waukon?
The obesity rate in Waukon is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741.
What is transportation like in Waukon?
The average commute in Waukon is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waukon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waukon is 92.9% White. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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