Median Income
$48,000
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,500
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
480/100K
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$835
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population854
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density678/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,000
Per Capita$24,058
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty5.5%
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,500
Rent$835
Ownership53.9%
Zillow$195,810
Housing Units364
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent480/100K
Property240/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault480/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking17.3%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days266/yr
Elevation820 ft (250 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute31 min
Broadband90.2%
EV Stations1
Is Waverly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waverly receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include 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 $48,000, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waverly is $107,500, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $835 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 480 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 240 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 266 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Waverly has a population of 854 with a density of 678 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 4.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Waverly is $48,000, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,058 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,000 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,058 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |
The median home value in Waverly is $107,500, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,810, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $835 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 53.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 364 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,500 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,810 |
| Median List Price | $120,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $120,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $119 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $835 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.1% |
| Housing Units | 364 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Waverly, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 29.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.0% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
Food & Exercise
Waverly has a violent crime rate of 480 per 100,000 residents, 26% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 479.6 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 240 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 240, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Waverly receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waverly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 479.6/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 479.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 239.8/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 239.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 119.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 266 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 38.7 inches. The area receives 4.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 820 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 266 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 678/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2095°N, 93.5177°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
88 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 287 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,089 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.3").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Waverly
What is the population of Waverly?
Waverly has a population of 854 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 678 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Waverly expensive to live in?
Waverly is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $48,000, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,500 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $835 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waverly safe?
The violent crime rate in Waverly is 480 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 240 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 266 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches, with 4.6 inches of snow. 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 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly is $107,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,810. For renters, the median monthly rent is $835. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.9%.
How are the schools in Waverly?
Schools in Waverly score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.0% of adults in Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waverly?
The obesity rate in Waverly is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 29.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Waverly?
The average commute in Waverly is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is 84% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 84.1% have health insurance coverage.
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