Median Income
$113,269
51% higher than US avg
Home Value
$284,600
1% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
44/100K
89% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,947
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,173/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$113,269
Per Capita$44,343
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$7,314M
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$284,600
Rent$913
Ownership91.8%
Zillow$340,468
Housing Units688
Rent Burden19.6%
Crime
F
Violent44/100K
Property1,308/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.9%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,003 ft (306 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.92
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute39 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Waverly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waverly receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. 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 $113,269, which is significantly higher than the national average / 51% above $75,149. This places Waverly among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waverly is $284,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x 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 44 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,308 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waverly has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waverly has a population of 1,947 with a density of 1,173 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.8%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Waverly is $113,269, which is 51% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,343 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,984 business establishments, including 224 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 14.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $113,269 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,343 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,811 |
| Gini Index | 0.379 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,984 |
| County GDP | $7,314M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 224 |
| Healthcare | 366 |
| Retail | 401 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,714 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.4% |
The median home value in Waverly is $284,600, 1% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,468, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 688 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $4,714 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $284,600 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $340,468 |
| Median List Price | $330,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $330,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $202 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.2% |
| Housing Units | 688 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,714 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.66% |
In Waverly, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,541. The dentist ratio is 1:2,509. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,541 |
| Dentists | 1:2,509 |
| Mental Health | 1:748 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,106/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 366 |
Waverly has a violent crime rate of 44 per 100,000 residents, 89% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,308 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waverly receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waverly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 43.6/100K |
| 89% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,307.8/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waverly has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,003 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,003 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,173/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0637°N, 93.9666°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0501 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
506 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 1,163 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
36 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
51 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
50 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
49 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
51 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
48 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
50 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waverly
What is the population of Waverly?
Waverly has a population of 1,947 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,173 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Waverly expensive to live in?
Waverly has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $113,269, 51% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $284,600 (1% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, 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 44 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,308 per 100,000 (below 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waverly?
The job market in Waverly is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,984 business establishments in the area, including 224 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 14.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly is $284,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,468. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,714.
How are the schools in Waverly?
Schools in Waverly score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 3.7% 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%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,541.
What is transportation like in Waverly?
The average commute in Waverly is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is 90.6% White, 1% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
