Violent Crime
459/100K
21% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
52.5%
56% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% 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
Population223
Density1,014/mi²
Male / Female0% / 100%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$8,583M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$362,086
Housing Units126
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent459/100K
Property6,747/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured16.2%
Smoking9.1%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain7.8 in/yr
Sunny Days279/yr
Elevation1,264 ft (385 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+52.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 30%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries10
Is Wheeler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheeler receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Wheeler offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,747 per 100,000, 244% above the national average.
Education
Wheeler is a highly educated community / 52.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Wheeler experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 279 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 7.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Wheeler has a population of 223 with a density of 1,014 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The gender split is 100% female and 0% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (52.5%), with 47.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 100.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The average weekly wage is $1,222, 15% 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 2,694 business establishments, including 233 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,222 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,521 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,694 |
| County GDP | $8,583M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 233 |
| Healthcare | 186 |
| Retail | 290 |
| Manufacturing | 77 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,780 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,086. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 126 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $4,780 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 126 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,780 |
| 37% above US avg |
In Wheeler, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 9.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 16.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,507. The dentist ratio is 1:1,809. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 16.2% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,507 |
| Dentists | 1:1,809 |
| Mental Health | 1:377 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,460/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 186 |
Wheeler has a violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 residents, 21% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,747 per 100,000, 244% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 28 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 364 federally declared disasters. Overall, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 458.8/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,747.0/100K |
| 244% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wheeler experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 279 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 7.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,264 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 279 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,264 ft (385 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,014/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1349°N, 119.1760°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grant County International (MWH)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
7.8"
79% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
1.30"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
250 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 6, 2025.
| Jun 24, 1997 |
16 km WNW of Malott, Washington |
M4.6 |
147 km |
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
143 km |
| Jun 27, 2013 |
25 km N of Leavenworth, Washington |
M4.3 |
137 km |
| Feb 18, 2015 |
15 km ENE of Cle Elum, Washington |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Sep 1, 2015 |
15 km N of Nespelem Community, Washington |
M4.2 |
131 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
147 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Apr 15, 1991 |
4 km SE of Pateros, Washington |
M3.9 |
112 km |
| Nov 18, 1997 |
20 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Mar 29, 2010 |
10 km NE of Cliffdell, Washington |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Jul 4, 1997 |
8 km NNE of Waterville, Washington |
M3.7 |
92 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
111 km |
| Jan 1, 1997 |
14 km NNE of Selah, Washington |
M3.7 |
105 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
14 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.7 |
81 km |
| Jun 24, 1997 |
16 km NW of Malott, Washington |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Oct 26, 1992 |
12 km N of Naches, Washington |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Dec 24, 2000 |
8 km NNW of Entiat, Washington |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
0 km SE of Gleed, Washington |
M3.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
27 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 1972 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1972 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1985 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2024 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2024 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2023 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2023 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2020 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2010 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 19.8 m (65 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1949 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
— |
98 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
— |
114 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
3.6 m |
— |
114 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Glacier Peak (181 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Glacier Peak |
Stratovolcano |
3,213 m (10,541 ft) |
1700 |
181 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
199 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PEARL HILL (217,720 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
PEARL HILL |
217,720 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
RANGE 12 |
167,604 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
24 COMMAND |
162,300 |
83 km |
| 2020 |
WHITNEY |
127,930 |
70 km |
| 1984 |
HANFORD |
122,914 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
BARKER CANYON COMPLEX |
85,906 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
COLOCKUM TARPS |
79,279 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
WAUTOMA |
77,956 |
83 km |
| 2018 |
GRASS VALLEY |
76,074 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
COLD CREEK |
72,859 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
BOYLSTON |
66,292 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
DRY CREEK COMPLEX |
49,843 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
COLD CREEK |
43,756 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
UMTANUM RIDGE |
34,351 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
SILVER DOLLAR |
30,789 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
SUTHERLAND CANYON |
29,492 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
VANTAGE HIGHWAY |
29,299 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
400 |
27,218 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
APACHE PASS |
25,101 |
65 km |
| 2020 |
TAYLOR POND |
22,591 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Wheeler has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 7.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (1.3") and July the driest (0.2").
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) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,026 |
| Toddler | $938 |
| Preschool | $938 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $749 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheeler
What is the population of Wheeler?
Wheeler has a population of 223 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 1,014 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The population is 100% female and 0% male.
Is Wheeler expensive to live in?
Wheeler is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Wheeler safe?
The violent crime rate in Wheeler is 459 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,747 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wheeler?
Wheeler has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 279 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 7.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
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 $1,222. There are 2,694 business establishments in the area, including 233 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Wheeler?
Schools in Wheeler have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 52.5% of adults in Wheeler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheeler?
The obesity rate in Wheeler is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.1% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 16.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,507.
What are the demographics of Wheeler?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeler is 47.5% White, 52.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 100.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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