Median Income
$104,929
40% higher than US avg
Home Value
$407,600
45% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
22/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.8%
48% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,299
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Waconia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population13,223
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density2,357/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,929
Per Capita$50,332
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$7,614M
Commute25 min
Housing
A
Home Value$407,600
Rent$1,299
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$452,199
Housing Units4,934
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent22/100K
Property736/100K
Health
Obesity31.8%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking11.2%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation980 ft (299 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.8%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+15.0%
School Score7.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute25 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Waconia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waconia receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Waconia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waconia is $104,929, which is significantly higher than the national average / 40% above $75,149. This places Waconia among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waconia is $407,600, 45% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,299 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Waconia is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 736 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 7.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waconia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches, including 51.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waconia has a population of 13,223 with a density of 2,357 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Waconia is $104,929, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,332 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,297. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,874 business establishments, including 188 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 20.9% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,929 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,332 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,297 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $131,468 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,874 |
| County GDP | $7,614M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 188 |
| Healthcare | 268 |
| Retail | 232 |
| Manufacturing | 153 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,648 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 20.9% |
The median home value in Waconia is $407,600, 45% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $452,199, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,299 (12% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,934 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $6,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $407,600 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $452,199 |
| Median List Price | $539,145 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $539,145 |
| $/Sq Ft | $204 |
| Homes Sold | 16 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.6% |
| Price Drops | 58.5% |
| Inventory | 41 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,299 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,633 |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 4,934 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,648 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.63% |
In Waconia, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 23.9% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 18.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181. The dentist ratio is 1:1,930. 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
2.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.3
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
140.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Waconia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 23.9% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.2% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.0% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 9.4% |
| Short Sleep | 27.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,181 |
| Dentists | 1:1,930 |
| Mental Health | 1:434 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 72.3% |
| Premature Death | 3,990/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 268 |
Waconia has a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 736 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waconia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waconia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 21.7/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 736.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 94 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waconia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches. The area receives 51.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 980 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 980 ft (299 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,357/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8415°N, 93.7901°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carver County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
540 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 1,151 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
8 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
36 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
25 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
72 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
73 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
69 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
71 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
69 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
76 km |
| 1995 |
UNIT 16 |
1,570 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Waconia has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Waconia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $888 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $801 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waconia
What is the population of Waconia?
Waconia has a population of 13,223 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 2,357 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Waconia expensive to live in?
Waconia has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $104,929, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $407,600 (45% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,299 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waconia safe?
Waconia is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 736 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waconia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waconia?
Waconia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches, with 51.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waconia?
Waconia has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,297. There are 2,874 business establishments in the area, including 188 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 20.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waconia?
The median home value in Waconia is $407,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $452,199. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,299. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,648.
How are the schools in Waconia?
Schools in Waconia perform well, with an average test score of 7.2 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 49.8% of adults in Waconia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 15.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waconia?
The obesity rate in Waconia is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 18.0% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 5.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181.
What is transportation like in Waconia?
The average commute in Waconia is 25 minutes. 73.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waconia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waconia is 93.3% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
