Median Income
$61,546
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$185,600
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
170/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$796
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Waseca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,209
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density2,142/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,546
Per Capita$33,547
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$1,256M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$185,600
Rent$796
Ownership70.0%
Zillow$241,652
Housing Units3,739
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent170/100K
Property1,798/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault124/100K
Burglary170/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking17.1%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,128 ft (344 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Waseca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waseca receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Waseca offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waseca is $61,546, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waseca is $185,600, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waseca is below the national average at 170 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,798 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Waseca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°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 37.9 inches, including 52.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Waseca has a population of 9,209 with a density of 2,142 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.5% female and 43.5% male. The city is predominantly White (84.1%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.3% of residents, while 11.7% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.3%
12% above US avg
Spanish
11.7%
13% below US avg
The median household income in Waseca is $61,546, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,547 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 552 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,546 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,547 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,103 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 552 |
| County GDP | $1,256M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,459 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Waseca is $185,600, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,652, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $796 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $742 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,739 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,459. 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $185,600 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,652 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $796 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $677 |
| 1 Bedroom | $742 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,353 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,495 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.0% |
| Housing Units | 3,739 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,459 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.86% |
In Waseca, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,800. The dentist ratio is 1:1,718. 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waseca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,800 |
| Dentists | 1:1,718 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,582 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,508/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Waseca has a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 124.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 45.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,798 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,595, burglary at 170, vehicle theft at 34 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waseca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waseca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 169.7/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 45.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 124.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,798.4/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 169.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,594.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 33.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 158 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waseca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°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 37.9 inches. The area receives 52.3 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 1,128 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,128 ft (344 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,142/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0815°N, 93.5040°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Waseca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
42 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
606 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 35 fatalities, 811 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
57 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
31 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
6 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
62 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
73 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Waseca has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Waseca. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waseca
What is the population of Waseca?
Waseca has a population of 9,209 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 2,142 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 56.5% female and 43.5% male.
Is Waseca expensive to live in?
Waseca 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 $61,546, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $185,600 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waseca safe?
Waseca is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,798 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waseca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waseca?
Waseca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°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 37.9 inches, with 52.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Waseca?
Waseca has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 552 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waseca?
The median home value in Waseca is $185,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,652. For renters, the median monthly rent is $796. Fair market rent is $742 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,459.
How are the schools in Waseca?
Schools in Waseca score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.4% of adults in Waseca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waseca?
The obesity rate in Waseca is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,800.
What is transportation like in Waseca?
The average commute in Waseca is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waseca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waseca is 84.1% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 88.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.7% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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