Median Income
$52,586
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,600
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
136/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$748
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Waupaca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,314
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density797/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,586
Per Capita$35,123
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$919M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,600
Rent$748
Ownership56.3%
Zillow$310,898
Housing Units2,928
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent136/100K
Property2,111/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault68/100K
Burglary153/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.6%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation842 ft (257 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute27 min
Broadband88.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Waupaca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waupaca receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Waupaca offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waupaca is $52,586, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waupaca is $177,600, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $748 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Waupaca is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Waupaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Waupaca has a population of 6,314 with a density of 797 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Waupaca is $52,586, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,123. The average weekly wage is $841, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 571 business establishments, including 67 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,586 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,123 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $841 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,360 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 571 |
| County GDP | $919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,229 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Waupaca is $177,600, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,898, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $748 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $779 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,928 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,229 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,600 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,898 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $748 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $764 |
| 1 Bedroom | $779 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,283 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,288 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,928 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,229 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.94% |
In Waupaca, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,547. The dentist ratio is 1:1,471. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waupaca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,547 |
| Dentists | 1:1,471 |
| Mental Health | 1:639 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,261/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Waupaca has a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 68.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 68.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,111 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,839, burglary at 153, vehicle theft at 119 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waupaca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waupaca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 136.2/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 68.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 68.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,111.0/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| Burglary | 153.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,838.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 119.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 60 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waupaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°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 33.8 inches. The area receives 49.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 842 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 842 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 797/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3500°N, 89.0700°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Waushara County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
436 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 25 fatalities, 355 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
47 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
18 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
82 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
93 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Waupaca has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Waupaca. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waupaca
What is the population of Waupaca?
Waupaca has a population of 6,314 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 797 people per square mile, spread across 8.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Waupaca expensive to live in?
Waupaca is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,586, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,600 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $748 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waupaca safe?
Waupaca is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waupaca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waupaca?
Waupaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Waupaca?
Waupaca has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $841. There are 571 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waupaca?
The median home value in Waupaca is $177,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,898. For renters, the median monthly rent is $748. Fair market rent is $779 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,229.
How are the schools in Waupaca?
Schools in Waupaca score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Waupaca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waupaca?
The obesity rate in Waupaca is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,547.
What is transportation like in Waupaca?
The average commute in Waupaca is 27 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waupaca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waupaca is 91.6% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
