Median Income
$56,884
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$217,000
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
425/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,072
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.0%
67% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.1%
22% higher than US avg
How Waite Park Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,341
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density660/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 53%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,884
Per Capita$28,864
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty15.1%
County GDP$2,398M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$217,000
Rent$1,072
Ownership52.3%
Zillow$247,835
Housing Units3,810
Rent Burden40.3%
Crime
F
Violent425/100K
Property8,295/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault335/100K
Burglary502/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking18.3%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,102 ft (336 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+84.1%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score6.37
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute19 min
Broadband83.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Waite Park a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waite Park receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Waite Park has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waite Park is $56,884, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 15.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waite Park is $217,000, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 425 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,295 per 100,000, 323% above the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waite Park has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°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 31.0 inches, including 57.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waite Park has a population of 8,341 with a density of 660 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly White (53%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 34.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 71% of residents, while 29% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waite Park vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
71.0%
10% below US avg
Spanish
29.0%
116% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Waite Park vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waite Park is $56,884, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,864 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,063 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waite Park vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,884 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,864 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,499 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.0% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,063 |
| County GDP | $2,398M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 119 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Waite Park is $217,000, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,835, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,072 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 52.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,810 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $4,076 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $217,000 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,835 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $155 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 35.7% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,072 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,127 |
| Rent Burden | 40.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,810 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.88% |
In Waite Park, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 28.7% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,607. The dentist ratio is 1:2,962. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waite Park vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.7% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,607 |
| Dentists | 1:2,962 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,467 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,370/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
Waite Park has a violent crime rate of 425 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 334.9 per 100,000, robbery at 90.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 8,295 per 100,000, 323% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 7,458, burglary at 502, vehicle theft at 335 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waite Park receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waite Park vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 425.0/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 90.2/100K |
| Assault | 334.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,294.7/100K |
| 323% above US avg |
| Burglary | 502.3/100K |
| Theft | 7,457.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 334.9/100K |
| Arson | 12.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waite Park has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°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 31.0 inches. The area receives 57.4 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 1,102 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,102 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 9.0 sq mi (23.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 660/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5209°N, 94.2430°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
83 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
413 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 982 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
2 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
88 km |
5 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
36 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
44 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
42 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
76 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
36 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
45 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
39 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
43 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
38 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
43 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Waite Park has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Waite Park. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waite Park
What is the population of Waite Park?
Waite Park has a population of 8,341 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 660 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.
Is Waite Park expensive to live in?
Waite Park 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 $56,884, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $217,000 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,072 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waite Park safe?
The violent crime rate in Waite Park is 425 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,295 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waite Park receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waite Park?
Waite Park has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°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 31.0 inches, with 57.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waite Park?
The unemployment rate in Waite Park is 6.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 1,063 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waite Park?
The median home value in Waite Park is $217,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,835. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,072. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,076.
How are the schools in Waite Park?
Schools in Waite Park score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in Waite Park hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waite Park?
The obesity rate in Waite Park is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 28.7% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,607.
What is transportation like in Waite Park?
The average commute in Waite Park is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waite Park?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waite Park is 53% White, 34.7% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 71% of residents speak only English at home, while 29% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
