Kansas / Doniphan County

Moving to Wathena, KS

Thinking of making a move to Wathena, KS? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wathena, KS

Considering a move to Wathena, KS? This welcoming community of 1,250 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $118,000 and average rents near $820. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Wathena's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Wathena, KS

Wathena has a population of 1,250 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 93% White, 1% Black, and 0% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Wathena is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 83.6. Median home values are around $118,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $820. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 215 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 71. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Kansas.

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?

Wathena experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
40°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $51,200 and a low poverty rate of 13.7%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Wathena Elementary School and Riverside High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Missouri Western State University and Highland Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Wathena residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mosaic Life Care at St. Joseph and Atchison Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 87.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $118,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 67%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Wathena offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Wathena handle vehicle services through the Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles, conveniently located in Topeka. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Kansas
Department
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address
915 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone
1-785-296-3621

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.

FAQs About Moving to Wathena, KS

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Wathena, review the core fields on this page: population 1,250, median home value $118,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $820, commute time 21.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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