Minnesota · Metropolitan Area
Waite Park is a small city in Minnesota with a population of 8,341. Residents earn $56,884 per year, which is 24% below the national average.
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 low crime rates, affordable housing, 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.
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.
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.
Violent crime in Waite Park is below the national average at 285 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 10,393 per 100,000, 430% above the national average.
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 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
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. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 57.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 71.0% |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 29.0% |
| 116% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $56,884 |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,864 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,499 |
| Unemployment | 6.0% |
| 67% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.1% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,063 |
| County GDP | $2,398M |
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 119 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.88% |
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
| Census Median | $217,000 |
| 23% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,835 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $155 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 35.7% |
| Inventory | 14 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,072 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,127 |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.88% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.7% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,370/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
| Total Violent | 284.9/100K |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 75.0/100K |
| Robbery | 60.0/100K |
| Assault | 150.0/100K |
| Total Property | 10,392.9/100K |
| 430% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 524.9/100K |
| Theft | 9,568.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 299.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 31.0 inches |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 57.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,102 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 12.6 sq mi (32.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 660/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5209°N, 94.2430°W |
| County FIPS | 27009 |
Winner: Republican by 35.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.6% |
| 48% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 84.1% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 660/sq mi |
| Total Area | 12.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 8 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Retail Stores | 117 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Commute | 18.9 min |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |