Median Income
$60,956
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,800
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,261/100K
232% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$920
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How Waveland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population431
Median Age27.2 yrs
Density1,390/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,956
Per Capita$22,406
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$534M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,800
Rent$920
Ownership84.6%
Zillow$226,231
Housing Units171
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent1,261/100K
Property2,834/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.6%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation778 ft (237 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute29 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Waveland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waveland receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Waveland has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waveland is $60,956, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waveland is $96,800, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,261 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 2,834 per 100,000, 45% above the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Waveland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.4 inches, including 13.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Waveland has a population of 431 with a density of 1,390 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 27.2 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.2yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Waveland is $60,956, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,406 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $817, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 326 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,956 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,406 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $817 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,905 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 326 |
| County GDP | $534M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,225 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Waveland is $96,800, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,231, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 171 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,225 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,800 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,231 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.4% |
| Housing Units | 171 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,225 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.30% |
In Waveland, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,281. The dentist ratio is 1:5,456. 47.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waveland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,281 |
| Dentists | 1:5,456 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,374 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,682/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Waveland has a violent crime rate of 1,261 per 100,000 residents, 232% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,834 per 100,000, 45% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waveland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waveland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,261.2/100K |
| 232% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,834.5/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waveland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 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 47.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 778 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.0°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 778 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,390/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8776°N, 87.0455°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Parke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Terre Haute Regional (HUF)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.4"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
21 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
48 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
28 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
21 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
582 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 84 fatalities, 1,850 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
70 km |
18 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
22 km |
28 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Waveland has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 27°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Waveland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Waveland
What is the population of Waveland?
Waveland has a population of 431 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,390 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Waveland expensive to live in?
Waveland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,956, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,800 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waveland safe?
Public safety is a concern in Waveland, with a violent crime rate of 1,261 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 2,834 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waveland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waveland?
Waveland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.4 inches, with 13.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Waveland?
Waveland has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $817. There are 326 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waveland?
The median home value in Waveland is $96,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,231. For renters, the median monthly rent is $920. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,225.
How are the schools in Waveland?
Schools in Waveland score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Waveland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waveland?
The obesity rate in Waveland is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 47.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,281.
What is transportation like in Waveland?
The average commute in Waveland is 29 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waveland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waveland is 97.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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