Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,800
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
96/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Wellsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population710
Median Age47.5 yrs
Density645/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$35,606
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$732M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,800
Rent$625
Ownership89.6%
Zillow$154,305
Housing Units388
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent96/100K
Property2,283/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking14.9%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,097 ft (334 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+97.5%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute28 min
Broadband79.5%
EV Stations7
Libraries6
Is Wellsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wellsburg receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Wellsburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wellsburg is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wellsburg is $110,800, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wellsburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,283 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wellsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 32.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wellsburg has a population of 710 with a density of 645 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 47.5 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.5yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wellsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wellsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wellsburg is $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,606. The average weekly wage is $1,118, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 389 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wellsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,606 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,118 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,602 |
| Gini Index | 0.373 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 389 |
| County GDP | $732M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Wellsburg is $110,800, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,305, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 388 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,000. 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,800 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,305 |
| Median List Price | $155,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $155,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $59 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.7% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.4% |
| Housing Units | 388 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
In Wellsburg, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,116. The dentist ratio is 1:4,119. 83.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Wellsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,116 |
| Dentists | 1:4,119 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,064 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,156/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 83.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Wellsburg has a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,283 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. Overall, Wellsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wellsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.9/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,283.2/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wellsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 32.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,097 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,097 ft (334 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 645/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4339°N, 92.9266°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
695 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,210 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
14 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
86 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
41 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
72 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Wellsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Wellsburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $700 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $603 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $460 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wellsburg
What is the population of Wellsburg?
Wellsburg has a population of 710 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 645 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Wellsburg expensive to live in?
Wellsburg is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,800 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wellsburg safe?
Wellsburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,283 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wellsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wellsburg?
Wellsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches, with 32.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wellsburg?
Wellsburg has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,118. There are 389 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wellsburg?
The median home value in Wellsburg is $110,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,305. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,000.
How are the schools in Wellsburg?
Schools in Wellsburg score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Wellsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wellsburg?
The obesity rate in Wellsburg is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,116.
What is transportation like in Wellsburg?
The average commute in Wellsburg is 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wellsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wellsburg is 98.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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