Median Income
$78,259
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$189,100
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
153/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population302
Median Age59.4 yrs
Density211/mi²
Male / Female24% / 77%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,259
Per Capita$66,007
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$44,304M
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,100
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$267,246
Housing Units211
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent153/100K
Property7,675/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured17.8%
Smoking15.5%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation116 ft (35 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Broadband69.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Waverly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waverly receives an overall livability score of 3.9 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 a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Waverly offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waverly is $78,259, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waverly is $189,100, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waverly is below the national average at 153 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,675 per 100,000, 292% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Waverly has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Waverly has a population of 302 with a density of 211 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 59.4 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 76.5% female and 23.5% male. The city is predominantly White (55.6%), with 44.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 77.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.4yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Waverly is $78,259, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $66,007 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,071, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 17,281 business establishments, including 1,064 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,259 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $66,007 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,071 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,553 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,281 |
| County GDP | $44,304M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,064 |
| Healthcare | 1,371 |
| Retail | 1,926 |
| Manufacturing | 425 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,985 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Waverly is $189,100, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,246, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $4,985 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% 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 | $189,100 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $267,246 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 211 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,985 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Waverly, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 15.5% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.2% report depression. 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 17.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,172. The dentist ratio is 1:2,822. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 46.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.0% |
| Uninsured | 17.8% |
| 107% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,172 |
| Dentists | 1:2,822 |
| Mental Health | 1:813 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 48.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,371 |
Waverly has a violent crime rate of 153 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,675 per 100,000, 292% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 121 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Waverly receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waverly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 153.5/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,674.6/100K |
| 292% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 121 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waverly has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 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 52.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 116 feet.
Temperature
62°F Jan (17°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 73.9°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 116 ft (35 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 211/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.9853°N, 81.6253°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Winter Haven Regional (GIF)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.8"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.68"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0411 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.03 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
34 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
274 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
272 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
58 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
137 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
219 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
254 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 3 |
60 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
163 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
202 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
267 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
13 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
32 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
214 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
297 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
125 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
732 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 50 fatalities, 714 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
3 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
31 km |
25 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
13 |
| Mar 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
77 km |
2 |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Dec 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Dec 7, 1996 |
EF2 |
69 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
91 km |
1 |
| Feb 8, 1986 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1985 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: STAGECOACH COMPLEX (14,079 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
STAGECOACH COMPLEX |
14,079 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
KISSIMMEE BEND NORTH |
13,782 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
12,050 |
55 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,488 |
68 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
11,294 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,427 |
72 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
9,422 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
APQ RECREATION AREA RX 0506 |
8,901 |
69 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
8,794 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
ECHO SPRINGS |
8,640 |
58 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
7,765 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
7,670 |
45 km |
| 2021 |
AREA 11 |
7,140 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
NORTH CANE |
7,024 |
95 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,985 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,616 |
75 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
6,243 |
67 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,236 |
84 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
6,228 |
60 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,871 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
62°F (17°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
7.5 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
7.1 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
63°F (17°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 21°F / from 62°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.7") and April the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Waverly. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $996 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waverly
What is the population of Waverly?
Waverly has a population of 302 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 211 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 76.5% female and 23.5% male.
Is Waverly expensive to live in?
Waverly has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $78,259, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,100 (33% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waverly safe?
Waverly is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 153 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,675 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waverly receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waverly?
Waverly has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Waverly?
The job market in Waverly is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,071. There are 17,281 business establishments in the area, including 1,064 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly is $189,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,246. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,985.
How are the schools in Waverly?
Schools in Waverly score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waverly?
The obesity rate in Waverly is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 17.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,172.
What are the demographics of Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is 55.6% White, 44.4% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 3.3% of residents have a disability. 77.0% have health insurance coverage.
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