Home Value
$181,300
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
50/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.0%
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wheeler Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population556
Median Age33.5 yrs
Density285/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
Per Capita$35,372
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$799M
Commute17 min
Housing
Home Value$181,300
Ownership59.1%
Zillow$137,226
Housing Units239
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent50/100K
Property1,670/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking20.1%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain60.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation363 ft (111 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.0%
High School+79.5%
Graduate+44.2%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 17%
Commute17 min
Broadband47.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Wheeler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheeler receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Wheeler has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wheeler is $181,300, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Wheeler is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,670 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 79.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Wheeler enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 60.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wheeler has a population of 556 with a density of 285 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 33.5 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.2% female and 38.8% male. The city is predominantly White (86.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.5yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $35,372. The average weekly wage is $803, 44% 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 552 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $35,372 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $803 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,248 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 552 |
| County GDP | $799M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 92 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,378 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Wheeler is $181,300, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,226, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 239 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $2,378 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,300 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $137,226 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.9% |
| Housing Units | 239 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,378 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.31% |
In Wheeler, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 34.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,125. The dentist ratio is 1:2,479. 56.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.7% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,125 |
| Dentists | 1:2,479 |
| Mental Health | 1:661 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 8.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,055/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Wheeler has a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,670 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 49.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,670.4/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wheeler enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 60.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 363 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.0°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 363 ft (111 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 285/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5837°N, 88.6025°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Prentiss County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tupelo Regional (TUP)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.4"
59% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.26"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 25, 2020.
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
108 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
111 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
34 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
3 km NE of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Jan 5, 2012 |
11 km NW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Jun 25, 2020 |
4 km NNW of Berry, Alabama |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Oct 3, 1993 |
3 km SW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
17 km E of Olivet, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
87 km |
| Mar 11, 2017 |
6 km SW of Trinity, Alabama |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Jan 15, 2016 |
8 km ENE of Natural Bridge, Alabama |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Feb 10, 2002 |
5 km NNE of Glen Allen, Alabama |
M2.6 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
490 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 218 fatalities, 1,675 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
62 km |
23 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
68 km |
72 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
89 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
94 km |
28 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
39 km |
4 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
84 km |
38 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
9 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
59 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
92 km |
6 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COMP 109 (3,663 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
COMP 109 |
3,663 |
75 km |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 119/90/88 |
2,955 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
WITCHDCE W |
2,846 |
78 km |
| 2014 |
C-84 BAGLEY BOTTOMS |
2,766 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,645 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
MIDWAY CEM PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,513 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
WITCHDANCE EAST |
2,285 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
PUSKUS LAKE |
2,271 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
TOMBIGBEE CPT - 18/19/23/24 |
2,201 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 42 |
2,142 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB10 11 12 14 |
1,977 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,972 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
6.3 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
6.1 in |
|
Wheeler has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 40°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.3") and August the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Wheeler. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $509 |
| Toddler | $463 |
| Preschool | $463 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheeler
What is the population of Wheeler?
Wheeler has a population of 556 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 285 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.2% female and 38.8% male.
Is Wheeler expensive to live in?
Wheeler is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $181,300 (36% below the U.S. median).
Is Wheeler safe?
Wheeler is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,670 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wheeler?
Wheeler enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.4 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wheeler?
The job market in Wheeler is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $803. There are 552 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wheeler?
The median home value in Wheeler is $181,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,226. The homeownership rate is 59.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,378.
How are the schools in Wheeler?
Schools in Wheeler score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.0% of adults in Wheeler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 79.5% have completed high school. 44.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheeler?
The obesity rate in Wheeler is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 34.7% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,125.
What is transportation like in Wheeler?
The average commute in Wheeler is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wheeler?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeler is 86.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
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