[5][6][7][8] The Kirk Company of Tacoma, Washington, operated the "Wautoma plantation" of more than 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) of Christmas trees, beginning in 1953.

[9] On August 29, 1992, the town was struck by a half-mile wide F-3 tornado, killing 2 people, injuring 30 others, and causing over $5 million in damage.

There were 1,061 housing units at an average density of 395.9 per square mile (152.9/km2).

44.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 877 housing units at an average density of 351.5 per square mile (135.4/km2).

40.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

In 1980, Wautoma High School won the Class B State Basketball Championship.