Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wathena, KS
Considering a move to Wathena, KS? This welcoming town of 1,250 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $118,000 and average rents near $820. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with low commute times averaging 21 minutes, moderate crime rates, and a climate featuring 60% sunny days each year. Local schools are well-rated and the community is close-knit, making Wathena a great spot for families or anyone seeking small-town charm at a budget-friendly cost.
Demographics - Wathena, KS
Demographics - Wathena, KS
Wathena is a small, close-knit community of about 1,250 residents with a median age of 40, and a majority White population. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
1,250
Density:
1,040 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wathena, KS?
With a cost of living index well below the national average, Wathena is an affordable place to call home. Median house values are around $118,000, and renters benefit from average monthly rents near $820, making it attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$118,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,015
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.6
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
83.2
Health Care:
91.6
Miscellaneous:
87.0
Crime
Is Wathena, KS a safe place to live?
Wathena experiences moderate crime rates with a 1 in 465 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 71 chance of property crime. While generally safe, it’s advisable for residents to take standard precautions, especially regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
215
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,615
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 465
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Wathena, KS year-round?
Residents of Wathena enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows near 19°F and warm summers reaching highs close to 89°F. The area receives about 36.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Wathena’s households have a median income of about $51,200, and the community features a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and the area’s poverty rate is 13.7%, reflecting a modest but stable local economy.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$51,200
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,000
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.4%
Education
How are the schools in Wathena, KS?
Wathena is served by well-rated public schools with small class sizes, such as Wathena Elementary and Riverside High School, and is within easy reach of higher education at Missouri Western State University and Highland Community College. This makes the city appealing for families prioritizing quality education and accessible learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Wathena Elementary School
Street:
200 St Joseph St
Phone:
785-989-4425
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Riverside High School
Street:
705 Jessie St
Phone:
785-989-4426
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4

Colleges
Name:
Missouri Western State University
City:
St. Joseph
State:
MO
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
5,400
Name:
Highland Community College
City:
Highland
State:
KS
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare facilities nearby, including Mosaic Life Care and Atchison Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, Wathena ensures reliable medical support for its population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph
Address:
5325 Faraon St, St Joseph, MO 64506
Phone:
(816) 271-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Atchison Hospital
Address:
800 Raven Hill Dr, Atchison, KS 66002
Phone:
(913) 367-2131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wathena, KS?
The housing market in Wathena is affordable, with a median home price of $118,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 67%. Homes appreciate at a steady rate of 4.1% annually, and the rental vacancy rate stands at 7.2%, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$118,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Kansas vehicle services are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles in Topeka. Residents can access driver licensing, registration, and title services both online and in person, ensuring convenient support for all DMV needs.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
915 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone:
1-785-296-3621
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.