Waverly 86 Exceptional
Waverly Livability #12 ranked city in Iowa#406 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Pros and Cons of Living in Waverly

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

What's it like Living in Waverly?

Waverly, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 10,459 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Waverly is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Waverly residents is 33. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Waverly offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Waverly, Iowa could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, commute, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Waverly and in the areas around Waverly is a much easier task.

The livability score in Waverly is 82/100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Waverly could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Waverly also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Waverly scores well for cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B+) and housing (A+) On a less positive note, Waverly does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 141 crimes per 100,000 residents, Waverly has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

The unemployment rate in Waverly has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.5%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Waverly, the average school test scores are an impressive 81%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Waverly can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Waverly real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Waverly. The median home price for Waverly homes is $317,876, which is 32.4% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waverly, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 10% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waverly

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Compare Waverly, IA Livability

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      Waverly transportation information

      Statistic Waverly Iowa National
      Average one way commute16min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.4%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk12.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home8.0%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Waverly, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.