Median Income
$68,125
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,400
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.5%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Wausa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population587
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density1,129/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,125
Per Capita$35,239
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$738M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,400
Rent$820
Ownership89.2%
Zillow$184,906
Housing Units324
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property248/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.7%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,779 ft (542 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.5%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute20 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries3
Is Wausa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wausa receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Wausa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wausa is $68,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wausa is $79,400, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wausa is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 248 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wausa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wausa has a population of 587 with a density of 1,129 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.6% female and 42.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.6% of residents, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.6%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.4%
0% below US avg
The median household income in Wausa is $68,125, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,239. The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 244 business establishments, including 14 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). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,125 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,239 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,902 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 244 |
| County GDP | $738M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Wausa is $79,400, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,906, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% 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. 89.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 324 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,155 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,400 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,906 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.8% |
| Housing Units | 324 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.23% |
In Wausa, 37.8% 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. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438. The dentist ratio is 1:2,444. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wausa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,438 |
| Dentists | 1:2,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,299 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,469/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Wausa has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 248 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wausa receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Wausa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 247.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Wausa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,779 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,779 ft (542 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,129/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4978°N, 97.5393°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
115 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
2 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
62 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
39 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
572 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 233 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
87 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Wausa has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wausa. 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 Wausa
What is the population of Wausa?
Wausa has a population of 587 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,129 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 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 57.6% female and 42.4% male.
Is Wausa expensive to live in?
Wausa 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 $68,125, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,400 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wausa safe?
Wausa is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 248 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wausa receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wausa?
Wausa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wausa?
Wausa has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 244 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wausa?
The median home value in Wausa is $79,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,906. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,155.
How are the schools in Wausa?
Schools in Wausa score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.5% of adults in Wausa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wausa?
The obesity rate in Wausa is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438.
What is transportation like in Wausa?
The average commute in Wausa is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wausa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wausa is 95.1% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 86.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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