Median Income
$58,958
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,000
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$935
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.2%
211% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population528
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density723/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$58,958
Per Capita$28,534
Unemployment11.2%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$928M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,000
Rent$935
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$212,266
Housing Units254
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking17.3%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,114 ft (340 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute23 min
Broadband83.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Waverly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waverly receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. 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 $58,958, 22% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.2%, unemployment is notably high. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waverly is $85,000, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Waverly 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Waverly enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Waverly has a population of 528 with a density of 723 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Waverly is $58,958, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,534 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,304. The unemployment rate is 11.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 260 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,958 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,534 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,304 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,139 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.2% |
| 211% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 260 |
| County GDP | $928M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,477 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Waverly is $85,000, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,266, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $935 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 254 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $2,477 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,000 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,266 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $935 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 254 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,477 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.91% |
In Waverly, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,390. The dentist ratio is 1:2,760. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,390 |
| Dentists | 1:2,760 |
| Mental Health | 1:688 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,566/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Waverly has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. 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 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents.
Crime Rates: Waverly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Waverly enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,114 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,114 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 723/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3958°N, 95.6051°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Coffey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.5 on May 15, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
100 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
2 km NW of Augusta, Kansas |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Apr 10, 2020 |
4 km SE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
7 km SW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Feb 8, 2021 |
6 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
560 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 94 fatalities, 1,191 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
64 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
11 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
54 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
41 km |
3 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
88 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
67 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
74 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
86 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
87 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,081 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK WALL |
8,468 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
190 AND YY RD |
7,919 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.0").
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) |
$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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waverly
What is the population of Waverly?
Waverly has a population of 528 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 723 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Waverly expensive to live in?
Waverly 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 $58,958, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,000 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waverly safe?
Waverly 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Waverly?
Waverly enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Waverly?
The job market in Waverly faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,304. There are 260 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly is $85,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,266. For renters, the median monthly rent is $935. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,477.
How are the schools in Waverly?
Schools in Waverly score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waverly?
The obesity rate in Waverly is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,390.
What is transportation like in Waverly?
The average commute in Waverly is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is 98.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
