Median Income
$46,518
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,300
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
382/100K
0% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$642
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Wauneta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population515
Median Age55.7 yrs
Density660/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,518
Per Capita$30,938
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$434M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,300
Rent$642
Ownership68.5%
Zillow$139,374
Housing Units298
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent382/100K
Property382/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking15.1%
Depression18.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain20.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,960 ft (902 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute15 min
Broadband82.1%
Libraries2
Is Wauneta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wauneta receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 below-average incomes. Wauneta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wauneta is $46,518, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wauneta is $86,300, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 382 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wauneta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.3 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wauneta has a population of 515 with a density of 660 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 55.7 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.7yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Wauneta is $46,518, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,938 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $993, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (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 224 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,518 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,938 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $993 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,464 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $434M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Wauneta is $86,300, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,374, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $642 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 298 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,374 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $642 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.5% |
| Housing Units | 298 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.35% |
In Wauneta, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 18.5% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,826. The dentist ratio is 1:3,772. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wauneta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 18.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,826 |
| Dentists | 1:3,772 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Wauneta has a violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 residents, 0% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 382 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. Overall, Wauneta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wauneta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 381.5/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 381.5/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wauneta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 308 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 20.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 21.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,960 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,960 ft (902 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 660/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4164°N, 101.3766°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chase County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.3"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Apr 19, 2018.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
547 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1960 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1951 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2024 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (17,990 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
100 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
51 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
59 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
77 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,866 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
78 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,544 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
59 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
15 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,318 |
96 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
13 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,262 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Wauneta has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wauneta. 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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wauneta
What is the population of Wauneta?
Wauneta has a population of 515 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 660 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Wauneta expensive to live in?
Wauneta 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 $46,518, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,300 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wauneta safe?
The violent crime rate in Wauneta is 382 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 382 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wauneta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wauneta?
Wauneta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.3 inches, with 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wauneta?
The job market in Wauneta is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $993. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wauneta?
The median home value in Wauneta is $86,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,374. For renters, the median monthly rent is $642. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Wauneta?
Schools in Wauneta score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Wauneta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wauneta?
The obesity rate in Wauneta is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 18.5% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,826.
What is transportation like in Wauneta?
The average commute in Wauneta is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wauneta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wauneta is 93.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
