Median Income
$68,977
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,800
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
411/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.5%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$931
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Whiting Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population840
Median Age51.1 yrs
Density824/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans13.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,977
Per Capita$33,958
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$7,028M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,800
Rent$931
Ownership73.7%
Zillow$175,407
Housing Units376
Rent Burden19.7%
Crime
F
Violent411/100K
Property1,984/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain29.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,062 ft (324 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.5%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Whiting a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whiting receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Whiting offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whiting is $68,977, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Whiting is $87,800, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $931 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Whiting experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.9 inches, including 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Whiting has a population of 840 with a density of 824 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 51.1 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (85%), with 10.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 13.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.1yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Whiting is $68,977, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,958 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,052, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,308 business establishments, including 269 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,977 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,958 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,052 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,517 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,308 |
| County GDP | $7,028M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 269 |
| Healthcare | 311 |
| Retail | 389 |
| Manufacturing | 85 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,875 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.6% |
The median home value in Whiting is $87,800, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,407, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $931 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 376 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,875 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,800 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,407 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $931 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.3% |
| Housing Units | 376 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,875 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.55% |
In Whiting, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576. The dentist ratio is 1:1,448. 90.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whiting vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,576 |
| Dentists | 1:1,448 |
| Mental Health | 1:352 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,159/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 311 |
Whiting has a violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,984 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Whiting receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Whiting vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 410.5/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,984.3/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Whiting experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,062 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,062 ft (324 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 824/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1272°N, 96.1507°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodbury County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.9"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
93 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
560 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 348 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
37 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (629 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Whiting has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Whiting. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $718 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $485 |
| Toddler | $477 |
| Preschool | $477 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Whiting
What is the population of Whiting?
Whiting has a population of 840 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 824 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Whiting expensive to live in?
Whiting is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,977, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,800 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $931 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Whiting safe?
The violent crime rate in Whiting is 411 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 1,984 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Whiting receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whiting?
Whiting has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.9 inches, with 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Whiting?
The job market in Whiting is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,052. There are 3,308 business establishments in the area, including 269 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 13.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whiting?
The median home value in Whiting is $87,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,407. For renters, the median monthly rent is $931. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,875.
How are the schools in Whiting?
Schools in Whiting score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.5% of adults in Whiting hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whiting?
The obesity rate in Whiting is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,576.
What is transportation like in Whiting?
The average commute in Whiting is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whiting?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whiting is 85% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 13.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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