Median Income
$41,000
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,900
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Wheeling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population135
Median Age55.1 yrs
Density422/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,000
Per Capita$24,110
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty17.6%
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,900
Ownership82.8%
Zillow$243,417
Housing Units117
Rent Burden14.5%
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking19.7%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Elevation758 ft (231 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute37 min
Broadband70.3%
EV Stations2
Is Wheeling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheeling receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Wheeling offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wheeling is $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wheeling is $71,900, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wheeling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches, including 13.9 inches of snow.
Wheeling has a population of 135 with a density of 422 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 55.1 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
135
Total Population
2023 Census
55.1yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Wheeling is $41,000, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,110 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,000 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,110 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Wheeling is $71,900, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,417, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 14.5% 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 | $71,900 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,417 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.2% |
| Housing Units | 117 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Wheeling, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Wheeling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
Food & Exercise
Wheeling experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. The area receives 13.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 758 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 758 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 422/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7867°N, 93.3855°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.42"
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
21 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
332 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 186 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
75 km |
3 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Wheeling has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Wheeling. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheeling
What is the population of Wheeling?
Wheeling has a population of 135 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 422 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is Wheeling expensive to live in?
Wheeling is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,900 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Wheeling?
Wheeling has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.3 inches, with 13.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Wheeling?
The unemployment rate in Wheeling is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wheeling?
The median home value in Wheeling is $71,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,417. The homeownership rate is 82.8%.
How are the schools in Wheeling?
Schools in Wheeling score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Wheeling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheeling?
The obesity rate in Wheeling is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Wheeling?
The average commute in Wheeling is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wheeling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeling is 88.9% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 35.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.