Median Income
$78,429
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$215,200
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
432/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.9%
30% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$909
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,446
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density928/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,429
Per Capita$41,409
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$1,581M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$215,200
Rent$909
Ownership71.2%
Zillow$268,162
Housing Units4,080
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
C
Violent432/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault383/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking14.5%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation911 ft (278 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.9%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+14.8%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute17 min
Broadband92.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Waverly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waverly receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Waverly stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waverly is $78,429, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waverly is $215,200, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $909 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 39.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Waverly has a population of 10,446 with a density of 928 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Waverly is $78,429, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,409. The average weekly wage is $1,011, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 749 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,429 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,409 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,011 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 749 |
| County GDP | $1,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 73 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Waverly is $215,200, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,162, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $909 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,080 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,930 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $215,200 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $268,162 |
| Median List Price | $312,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $312,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $139 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 29.0% |
| Inventory | 31 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $909 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.8% |
| Housing Units | 4,080 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.29% |
In Waverly, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,684. 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
6.4
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
21.1
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
162.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,684 |
| Mental Health | 1:527 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
Waverly has a violent crime rate of 432 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 382.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 49.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 815, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 59 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waverly receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Waverly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 431.9/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 49.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 382.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 814.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 58.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 29 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. The area receives 39.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 911 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 11.5 sq mi (29.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 928/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7220°N, 92.4695°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bremer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively 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)
Tornado History
614 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
39 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
53 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
45 km |
5 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
97 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
81 km |
2 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
23 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$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 | $690 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waverly
What is the population of Waverly?
Waverly has a population of 10,446 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 928 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Waverly expensive to live in?
Waverly 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 $78,429, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $215,200 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $909 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waverly safe?
The violent crime rate in Waverly is 432 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waverly receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waverly?
Waverly has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches, with 39.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Waverly?
The job market in Waverly is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,011. There are 749 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly is $215,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,162. For renters, the median monthly rent is $909. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,930.
How are the schools in Waverly?
Schools in Waverly score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.9% of adults in Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 14.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waverly?
The obesity rate in Waverly is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What is transportation like in Waverly?
The average commute in Waverly is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is 90.5% White, 2.4% Black or African American. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
