What to know when moving to Waukon, IA
Waukon at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A population of 5,986 with a median household income of $65,801 and 23.9% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median rent is $730, making it a more affordable option for housing.
- The Reality Check:
- With a public transit share of 0.0%, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 89 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Waukon is a small town with a median household income of $65,801, which provides a decent lifestyle for its residents. About 23.9% of the population are renters, indicating a mix of housing options. However, the education level is relatively low, with only 19.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area experiences 89 rainy days annually, so being prepared for wet weather is essential.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, as the public transit share is at 0.0%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $730, making it an affordable option compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $158,300, which reflects the lower cost of living.
- The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, suggesting some economic challenges within the community.
- With 23.9% of residents renting, there is a significant portion of the community that may be looking for rental opportunities.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa's crime rates show a generally safer environment compared to national averages. The state has a violent crime rate of 236.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.3% lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 1,201.8 per 100,000 residents, also lower by 22.3% compared to the national rate.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3, with a trend of a 20% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100k vs. national average of 1,546.9, with a 17.3% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate is 1.6 per 100k, significantly lower than the national average of 4.3 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Weather & Getting Outside
Waukon experiences an average annual precipitation of 28.7 inches, spread over 89 rainy days. The summer months can be warm with average highs of 81°F, while winter temperatures can drop to as low as 9°F. Snowfall is minimal, with only about 0.8 inches annually.
- Waukon City Park - 4.6 stars from 256 reviews
- Stonebrook Park - 5 stars from 4 reviews
- Allamakee County Historical Society - 5 stars from 4 reviews
- Volney Park - 5 stars from 1 review
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Allamakee County, the unemployment rate is 5.2%, with a labor force of 7,640 people. Currently, there are 7,242 employed individuals in the county, indicating a stable job market, although the unemployment rate could be a concern for job seekers.
- Unemployment rate: 5.2% as of December 2025.
- Labor force: 7,640 individuals.
- Employed: 7,242 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.