Waverly, IA
Population 10,446 · Iowa
About Waverly, IA
Waverly is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 10,446 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,429 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waverly features a median home value of $215,200, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waverly in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $909, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,048 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (2,675 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (1,084 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waverly shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waverly have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.9% of Waverly residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waverly Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Waverly, IA
Compared to national averages, Waverly has a median household income of $78,429 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $215,200, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $909 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Waverly's income is 15% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 63% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Waverly, IA?
Waverly offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,429, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $215,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $909/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 43.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Waverly has a population of 10,446 with a median age of 32.5 years. Compare Waverly with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Waverly
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Keokuk | 9,748 | $49,340 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Grinnell | 9,527 | $64,426 | $191,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Waverly With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waverly
What is the population of Waverly, IA?
The population of Waverly, IA is 10,446 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Waverly?
The median household income in Waverly, IA is $78,429 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waverly?
The median home value in Waverly, IA is $215,200, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waverly?
The median monthly rent in Waverly, IA is $909, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waverly?
The unemployment rate in Waverly, IA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waverly, IA a good place to live?
Waverly offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,446 and a median age of 32.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Waverly, IA?
43.9% of residents in Waverly aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Waverly?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waverly, IA: median home value is $215,200 (12% below national), median rent is $909/month, and median household income is $78,429. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waverly?
The poverty rate in Waverly, IA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waverly, IA?
Waverly's population is 0.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.