Wathena, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,554
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,222/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
675
2.4% year-over-year change

Wathena population

How many people live in Wathena

Wathena is home to 1,554 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.3% of Wathena locals are male, and 55.7% are female.

Total population
1,554
6.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.3%
689
Female
55.7%
865
Value Percent YoY change
Male 689 44.3% 1.0%
Female 865 55.7% 10.8%
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 Wathena is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 7.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 31.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
7.4%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
31.8%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 259 16.7% 15.6%
15 to 24 115 7.4% 15.0%
25 to 44 389 25% 11.8%
45 to 64 495 31.8% -16.8%
Over 65 296 19% 51.0%
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 Wathena, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,513 97.4% 6.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 37 2.4% 60.9%
Non-citizens 4 0.3% -80.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 1,449 93.2%
Two or more races 104 6.7%
Other 1 0.1%

Households in Wathena

A peek inside Wathena households

Wathena has 614 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.5% are families, while the remaining 28.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
614
6.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
175
Family households
439
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 175 28.5% 57.7%
Family households 439 71.5% -5.8%
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 Wathena

The housing landscape of Wathena

Wathena's housing consists of 675 units, with 83.1% 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 4.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
675
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 561 83.1%
2 units 21 3.1%
3 or 4 units 38 5.6%
10 to 19 units 22 3.3%
Mobile home 33 4.9%
Homes built since 2020
18
-18.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wathena

In Wathena, the median construction year is 1975. About 20.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 137 20.3% 10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 24 3.6% -57.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 34 5% 47.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 73 10.8% -6.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 134 19.8% -5.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 90 13.3% 42.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 71 10.5% 29.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 84 12.4% -8.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10 1.5% 150.0%
Built in 2020 or later 18 2.7% -18.2%
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.

Wathena occupancy rates

Out of the 614 occupied housing units in Wathena, 83.6% are owner-occupied, while 16.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
614
6.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
101
Owner occupied
513
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 101 16.4% 18.8%
Owner occupied 513 83.6% 4.3%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
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.

Wathena housing costs

Housing costs in Wathena come to a median of $924 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $428.

Median housing costs per month
$924/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 Wathena
$428/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 Wathena

Wathena education at a glance

About 38.8% of the population in Wathena went to high school, while 32.5% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 10.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 11 0.9% 175.0%
High school diploma 482 38.8% 1.9%
College diploma 404 32.5% 3.1%
Associate degree 130 10.4% 19.3%
Bachelor's degree 130 10.4% 2.4%
Graduate degree 87 7% -2.2%
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 Wathena

How much people earn in Wathena

The average annual household income in Wathena was $101,516 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,222, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wathena
$101,516/year
-2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wathena
$87,222/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Wathena income by age

In Wathena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,900 overall. Overall, 94.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $90,313 6.8%
45 - 64 $104,900 2.6%
Above poverty level
1,436
Below poverty level
86
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,436 94.4% 9.4%
Below poverty level 86 5.6% -18.1%

Average renter income in Wathena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wathena, their median household income was $27,885 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,885
Rent-to-income ratio
18.4%
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 Wathena

Workforce and job types in Wathena

The job market in Wathena is powered by 844 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
844
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
578
Blue collar
266
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 578 68.5% 6.2%
Blue collar 266 31.5% -12.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
18.1%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 59 7% 11.3%
Private companies 533 63.2% -8.4%
Governmental workers 153 18.1% 16.8%
Not for profit companies 99 11.7% 19.3%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
1,050.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wathena 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 Wathena

How people get around in Wathena

Commuting methods vary: 91.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 778 91.8% -3.5%
Walk 16 1.9% N/A
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 Wathena by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
66090 2,380 977 $87,025 $96,909

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FAQs about Wathena demographics 

What is the total population of Wathena?

Wathena has a total population of 1,554 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 +6.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wathena?

The gender ratio in Wathena is as follows:
  • 44.3% males (689 residents)
  • 55.7% females (865 residents)

What is the median age in Wathena?

The median age in Wathena is 46.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wathena?

The age distribution in Wathena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (259 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.4% (115 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (389 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.8% (495 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (296 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wathena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wathena is as follows:
  • White: 93.2% (1,449 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (104 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (1 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Wathena.

How many housing units are there in Wathena?

There are 675 housing units in Wathena, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wathena has a total of 614 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wathena?

Wathena has a median household income of $87,222, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Wathena, with a workforce of 844 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.5% (578 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.5% (266 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (59 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (533 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.1% (153 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (99 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