Median Income
$40,556
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,800
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.1%
78% higher than US avg
How Wells River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population339
Median Age52.4 yrs
Density179/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,556
Per Capita$26,622
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty22.1%
County GDP$1,188M
Commute33 min
Housing
A
Home Value$160,800
Rent$755
Ownership51.8%
Zillow$218,581
Housing Units200
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property2,349/100K
Health
Obesity33.2%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking13.8%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI31 (Good)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation647 ft (197 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+80.1%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 58%
Commute33 min
Broadband84.5%
EV Stations5
Libraries16
Is Wells River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wells River receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Wells River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wells River is $40,556, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wells River is $160,800, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wells River is below the national average at 191 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,349 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wells River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Wells River has a population of 339 with a density of 179 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 52.4 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (80.5%), with 6.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.4% of residents, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 32.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.4yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wells River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.4%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.6%
6% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wells River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wells River is $40,556, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,622 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,064, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,015 business establishments, including 57 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wells River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,556 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,622 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,064 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,555 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.1% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,015 |
| County GDP | $1,188M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 49 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,438 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.0% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Wells River is $160,800, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,581, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,203 for a one-bedroom to $1,487 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 200 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,438 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,800 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,581 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $283 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,124 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,203 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,487 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.2% |
| Housing Units | 200 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,438 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In Wells River, 33.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 16.4% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,231. The dentist ratio is 1:3,316. 47.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wells River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,231 |
| Dentists | 1:3,316 |
| Mental Health | 1:241 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,382/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Wells River has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,349 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wells River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wells River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 191.1/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,349.1/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wells River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31. The city sits at an elevation of 647 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 647 ft (197 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1565°N, 72.0680°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Orange County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mount Washington Regional (HIE)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
136 km |
| Oct 16, 2012 |
5 km W of Hollis Center, Maine |
M4.7 |
129 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
57 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
19 km |
| Apr 20, 2002 |
5 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 |
1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.4 |
101 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
3 km N of Dannemora, New York |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| May 6, 2020 |
9 km SE of Bedford, Canada |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| May 24, 2002 |
6 km N of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jun 25, 2002 |
6 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jan 27, 2000 |
3 km WNW of Fremont, New Hampshire |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
63 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
76 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Mar 21, 2016 |
4 km ESE of Warner, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 28, 2002 |
2 km N of Wilton, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
258 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
71 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 16 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1973 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1972 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1955 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2022 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2009 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1995 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Wells River has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 15°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Wells River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$245 ($147–$392) |
| Specialist Visit |
$343 ($196–$539) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$196 ($98–$343) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,156 ($784–$4,900) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($74–$196) |
| Dental Filling |
$245 ($147–$392) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$294 ($147–$490) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$588 ($392–$980) |
| Battery Replacement |
$196 ($98–$343) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$147) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$392 ($147–$784) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,860 ($3,920–$11,760) |
| Roof Repair |
$980 ($392–$1,960) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,820 ($5,390–$14,700) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,470 ($490–$3,430) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,700 ($4,900–$29,400) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,900 ($1,960–$9,800) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,470 ($784–$2,940) |
| Will Preparation |
$490 ($196–$980) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,450 ($980–$4,900) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$147 ($74–$245) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.02 ($2.94–$5.39) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.43 ($2.45–$4.90) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.72 ($2.45–$5.39) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.41 ($2.94–$6.37) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.39 ($3.92–$7.35) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$245) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($29–$147) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$147) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$196 ($74–$490) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,960 ($1,176–$3,430) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.84–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$245) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,176 ($588–$2,450) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$980 ($490–$1,960) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$392 ($196–$686) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$980 ($392–$2,450) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,250 ($4,900–$29,400) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$196) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$294 ($147–$490) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$196 ($98–$392) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Wells River
What is the population of Wells River?
Wells River has a population of 339 residents and is located in Vermont. The population density is 179 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Wells River expensive to live in?
Wells River has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $40,556, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,800 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wells River safe?
Wells River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,349 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wells River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wells River?
Wells River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31.
How is the job market in Wells River?
The unemployment rate in Wells River is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,064. There are 1,015 business establishments in the area, including 57 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wells River?
The median home value in Wells River is $160,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,581. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $1,203 for a 1-bedroom and $1,487 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,438.
How are the schools in Wells River?
Schools in Wells River score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Wells River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.1% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wells River?
The obesity rate in Wells River is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 47.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,231.
What is transportation like in Wells River?
The average commute in Wells River is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 68% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wells River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wells River is 80.5% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino. 87.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.6% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 32.2% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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