Median Income
$52,260
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,200
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$582
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Wheaton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,334
Median Age46.7 yrs
Density767/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,260
Per Capita$34,309
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$348M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,200
Rent$582
Ownership77.1%
Zillow$120,504
Housing Units783
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property2,008/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary309/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking16.7%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain25.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,019 ft (311 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score6.32
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute12 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Wheaton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheaton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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, high obesity rates. Wheaton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wheaton is $52,260, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wheaton is $82,200, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $582 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wheaton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,008 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wheaton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.3 inches, including 42.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Wheaton has a population of 1,334 with a density of 767 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 46.7 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (89.4%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.4% of residents, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.7yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.4%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.6%
51% below US avg
The median household income in Wheaton is $52,260, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,309 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 154 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,260 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,309 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,573 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 154 |
| County GDP | $348M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,440 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Wheaton is $82,200, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,504, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $582 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 783 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $2,440 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,200 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $120,504 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $582 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.9% |
| Housing Units | 783 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,440 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.97% |
In Wheaton, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,638. 59.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wheaton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,638 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 59.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,353/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Wheaton has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 77.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,008 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,544, burglary at 309, vehicle theft at 154 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Wheaton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wheaton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.2/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 77.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,007.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| Burglary | 308.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,544.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 154.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wheaton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 25.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,019 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.9°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,019 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 767/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8059°N, 96.4980°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Traverse County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.3"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
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 |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
22 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
28 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
405 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 112 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2014 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 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 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
44 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
67 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
64 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
49 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
49 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
48 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
65 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
64 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Wheaton has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 11°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wheaton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheaton
What is the population of Wheaton?
Wheaton has a population of 1,334 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 767 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Wheaton expensive to live in?
Wheaton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,260, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,200 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $582 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wheaton safe?
Wheaton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,008 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wheaton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wheaton?
Wheaton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.3 inches, with 42.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Wheaton?
Wheaton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 154 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wheaton?
The median home value in Wheaton is $82,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,504. For renters, the median monthly rent is $582. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,440.
How are the schools in Wheaton?
Schools in Wheaton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.3% of adults in Wheaton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheaton?
The obesity rate in Wheaton is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 59.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Wheaton?
The average commute in Wheaton is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wheaton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheaton is 89.4% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 93.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
