Median Income
$49,000
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$211,800
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
207/100K
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.7%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$985
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.9%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Whitewater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,705
Median Age21.7 yrs
Density1,777/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,000
Per Capita$24,009
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$6,423M
Commute17 min
Housing
A
Home Value$211,800
Rent$985
Ownership30.3%
Zillow$331,149
Housing Units5,695
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
F
Violent207/100K
Property1,060/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault120/100K
Burglary73/100K
Health
Obesity43.9%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking16.8%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation810 ft (247 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.7%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+14.2%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute17 min
Broadband75.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Whitewater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whitewater receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Whitewater offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whitewater is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Whitewater is $211,800, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $985 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Whitewater is below the national average at 207 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,060 per 100,000, 46% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Whitewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches, including 33.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Whitewater has a population of 15,705 with a density of 1,777 people per square mile, spread across 9.1 square miles. The median age is 21.7 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (85.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 4.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.2% of residents, while 11.8% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.7yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whitewater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.2%
12% above US avg
Spanish
11.8%
12% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Whitewater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Whitewater is $49,000, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,009 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,401 business establishments, including 337 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whitewater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,000 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,009 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,401 |
| County GDP | $6,423M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 337 |
| Healthcare | 234 |
| Retail | 366 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Whitewater is $211,800, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $331,149, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $985 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 30.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,695 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $8,487 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $211,800 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $331,149 |
| Median List Price | $372,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $372,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $178 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 19.2% |
| Inventory | 26 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $985 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 30.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Housing Units | 5,695 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.01% |
In Whitewater, 43.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
6.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.9
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
149.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Whitewater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.9% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:670 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,248/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 234 |
Whitewater has a violent crime rate of 207 per 100,000 residents, 46% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 120.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 86.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,060 per 100,000, 46% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 927, burglary at 73, vehicle theft at 60 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Whitewater receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Whitewater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 206.7/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 86.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 120.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,060.2/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
| Burglary | 73.4/100K |
| Theft | 926.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 60.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Whitewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches. The area receives 33.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 810 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 810 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 9.1 sq mi (23.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,777/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8374°N, 88.7343°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively 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
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
78 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 48 fatalities, 1,295 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
14 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Whitewater has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 20°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Whitewater. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141-$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188-$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94-$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753-$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71-$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141-$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376-$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94-$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141-$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764-$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376-$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176-$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471-$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705-$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882-$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753-$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188-$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941-$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82-$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35-$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35-$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82-$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76-$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56-$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71-$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129-$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565-$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471-$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188-$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376-$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705-$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141-$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94-$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitewater
What is the population of Whitewater?
Whitewater has a population of 15,705 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,777 people per square mile, spread across 9.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Whitewater expensive to live in?
Whitewater is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $211,800 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $985 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Whitewater safe?
Whitewater is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 207 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,060 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Whitewater receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whitewater?
Whitewater has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches, with 33.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Whitewater?
The job market in Whitewater is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 3,401 business establishments in the area, including 337 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whitewater?
The median home value in Whitewater is $211,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $331,149. For renters, the median monthly rent is $985. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 30.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,487.
How are the schools in Whitewater?
Schools in Whitewater score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.7% of adults in Whitewater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 14.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whitewater?
The obesity rate in Whitewater is 43.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Whitewater?
The average commute in Whitewater is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whitewater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitewater is 85.2% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 88.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.8% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
