Median Income
$29,196
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,200
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Waverly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population21
Median Age53.8 yrs
Density21/mi²
Male / Female91% / 10%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans21.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$29,196
Per Capita$37,048
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$553M
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$538,150
Housing Units26
Rent Burden21.4%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property2,215/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking14.9%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,989 ft (606 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Broadband19.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Waverly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waverly receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $29,196, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waverly is $83,200, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waverly is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Waverly has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches, including 60.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Waverly has a population of 21 with a density of 21 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 53.8 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 9.5% female and 90.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 21.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 42.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.8yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Waverly is $29,196, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,048. The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 200 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,196 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,048 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,094 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 200 |
| County GDP | $553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Waverly is $83,200, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $538,150, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 26 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,600. 21.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,200 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $538,150 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 26 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.33% |
In Waverly, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272. The dentist ratio is 1:4,352. 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waverly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 28.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 42.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,272 |
| Dentists | 1:4,352 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,408/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Waverly has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,215 per 100,000, 13% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 262.2/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,215.4/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waverly has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 276 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 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 60.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,989 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,989 ft (606 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 21/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9987°N, 96.9741°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Deuel County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
92 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
421 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 45 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1996 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1986 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1981 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
80 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
54 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
54 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
57 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
58 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
54 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
56 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
53 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Waverly has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and December the driest (0.4").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waverly
What is the population of Waverly?
Waverly has a population of 21 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 21 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 9.5% female and 90.5% male.
Is Waverly expensive to live in?
Waverly is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $29,196, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,200 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, 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 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,215 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches, with 60.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Waverly?
The job market in Waverly is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 200 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly is $83,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $538,150. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,600.
How are the schools in Waverly?
Schools in Waverly score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Waverly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waverly?
The obesity rate in Waverly is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 51.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,272.
What are the demographics of Waverly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 21.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.8% of residents have a disability. 42.9% have health insurance coverage.
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