Median Income
$51,327
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,400
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
278/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.5%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$921
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.3%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,337
Median Age46.9 yrs
Density1,902/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,327
Per Capita$41,728
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$4,774M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,400
Rent$921
Ownership58.8%
Zillow$158,041
Housing Units2,042
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent278/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity31.3%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking15.5%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation897 ft (273 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.5%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 42%
Commute18 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
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 crime rates, 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 $51,327, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waverly is $132,400, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $921 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waverly is below the national average at 278 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
16.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waverly has a population of 4,337 with a density of 1,902 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 46.9 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.9yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Waverly is $51,327, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,728. The average weekly wage is $1,177, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,914 business establishments, including 192 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,327 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,728 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,177 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,914 |
| County GDP | $4,774M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 192 |
| Healthcare | 189 |
| Retail | 305 |
| Manufacturing | 83 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,776 |
| 122% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Waverly is $132,400, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,041, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $921 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,042 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $7,776 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,400 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $158,041 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $111 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $921 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,042 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,776 |
| 122% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.87% |
In Waverly, 31.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,278. The dentist ratio is 1:1,536. 81.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.3% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 43.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,278 |
| Dentists | 1:1,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:290 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,852/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 189 |
Waverly has a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 277.8/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,346.9/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waverly experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 897 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 897 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,902/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0127°N, 76.5400°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chemung County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elmira/Corning Regional (ELM) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
51 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
159 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 74 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
83 km |
2 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1984 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1974 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BULL RUN (2,003 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
WOODRUFF |
757 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 24°F in February to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (2.1").
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) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waverly
What is the population of Waverly?
Waverly has a population of 4,337 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 1,902 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Waverly expensive to live in?
Waverly is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,327, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,400 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $921 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, 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 278 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waverly?
The unemployment rate in Waverly is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,177. There are 1,914 business establishments in the area, including 192 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly is $132,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,041. For renters, the median monthly rent is $921. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,776.
How are the schools in Waverly?
Schools in Waverly have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.5% of adults in Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waverly?
The obesity rate in Waverly is 31.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,278.
What is transportation like in Waverly?
The average commute in Waverly is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is 92.5% White, 2.3% Black or African American. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.