Waveland, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
475
10.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,292/yr
-14.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
198
7.0% year-over-year change

Waveland population

How many people live in Waveland

Waveland is home to 475 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.5% of Waveland locals are male, and 42.5% are female.

Total population
475
10.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.5%
273
Female
42.5%
202
Value Percent YoY change
Male 273 57.5% 12.8%
Female 202 42.5% 6.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Waveland is 25, with the population distributed as follows: about 37.9% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 13.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
24.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
37.9%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
13.3%
Over 65
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 180 37.9% 22.4%
15 to 24 58 12.2% -10.8%
25 to 44 119 25% 21.4%
45 to 64 63 13.3% 8.6%
Over 65 55 11.6% -12.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Waveland, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 468 98.5% 10.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.4% 0.0%
Non-citizens 5 1% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
96.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 458 96.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.2%
Two or more races 16 3.4%

Households in Waveland

A peek inside Waveland households

Waveland has 158 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.5% are families, while the remaining 33.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
158
6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
53
Family households
105
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 53 33.5% -7.0%
Family households 105 66.5% 14.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Waveland

The housing landscape of Waveland

Waveland's housing consists of 198 units, with 94.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
198
7.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 187 94.4%
2 units 5 2.5%
3 or 4 units 5 2.5%
Mobile home 1 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waveland

In Waveland, the median construction year is 1938. About 72.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 143 72.2% 13.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 5% -16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 15 7.6% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5 2.5% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1 0.5% -87.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8 4% 14.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10 5% 66.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6 3% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Waveland occupancy rates

Out of the 158 occupied housing units in Waveland, 86.7% are owner-occupied, while 13.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
158
6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
21
Owner occupied
137
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 21 13.3% -8.7%
Owner occupied 137 86.7% 8.7%
Unoccupied housing units
20.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Waveland housing costs

Housing costs in Waveland come to a median of $1,056 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $850.

Median housing costs per month
$1,056/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Waveland
$850/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Waveland

Waveland education at a glance

About 50.6% of the population in Waveland went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 15.5% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 0.7% -33.3%
High school diploma 137 50.6% -2.8%
College diploma 63 23.2% 8.6%
Associate degree 42 15.5% 40.0%
Bachelor's degree 21 7.8% 23.5%
Graduate degree 6 2.2% -40.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Waveland

How much people earn in Waveland

The average annual household income in Waveland was $64,280 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,292, reflecting a -14.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waveland
$64,280/year
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waveland
$52,292/year
-14.2% year-over-year change

Waveland income by age

In Waveland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,500 overall. Overall, 81% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,250 -11.5%
45 - 64 $52,500 -16.3%
Over 65 $62,679 2.8%
Above poverty level
375
Below poverty level
88
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 375 81% 5.9%
Below poverty level 88 19% 29.4%

Average renter income in Waveland

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waveland, their median household income was $32,083 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,083
Rent-to-income ratio
31.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Waveland

Workforce and job types in Waveland

The job market in Waveland is powered by 190 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 50% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 50% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 1.6% run their own businesses, 83.2% are employed by private companies, and 3.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
190
5.6% year-over-year change
White collar
95
Blue collar
95
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 95 50% 0.0%
Blue collar 95 50% 11.8%
Employer type
Self employees
1.6%
Private companies
83.2%
Governmental workers
3.7%
Not for profit companies
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3 1.6% 0.0%
Private companies 158 83.2% 5.3%
Governmental workers 7 3.7% 16.7%
Not for profit companies 22 11.6% 4.8%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waveland stands at 2.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Waveland

How people get around in Waveland

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 175 94.6% 2.9%
Bus or trolleybus 4 2.2% 100.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Waveland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
47989 1,274 508 $104,048 $117,310

Explore more communities

FAQs about Waveland demographics 

What is the total population of Waveland?

Waveland has a total population of 475 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +10.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waveland?

The gender ratio in Waveland is as follows:
  • 57.5% males (273 residents)
  • 42.5% females (202 residents)

What is the median age in Waveland?

The median age in Waveland is 24.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waveland?

The age distribution in Waveland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 37.9% (180 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (58 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (119 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 13.3% (63 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.6% (55 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waveland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waveland is as follows:
  • White: 96.4% (458 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (16 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Waveland are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Waveland.

How many housing units are there in Waveland?

There are 198 housing units in Waveland, reflecting a +7.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Waveland and what is the average household size?

Waveland has a total of 158 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waveland?

Waveland has a median household income of $52,292, representing a -14.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Waveland?

The employment rate is 97.4% in Waveland, with a workforce of 190 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 50% (95 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 50% (95 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 1.6% (3 residents)
  • Private companies: 83.2% (158 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 3.7% (7 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.6% (22 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025