Median Income
$66,931
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$167,700
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
27/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$830
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.0%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Waupun Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,244
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density2,408/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,931
Per Capita$30,756
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$5,048M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$167,700
Rent$830
Ownership64.5%
Zillow$257,750
Housing Units4,124
Rent Burden20.5%
Crime
F
Violent27/100K
Property548/100K
Murder8.8/100K
Assault9/100K
Burglary80/100K
Health
Obesity46.0%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking18.1%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation903 ft (275 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Waupun a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waupun receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Waupun offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waupun is $66,931, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waupun is $167,700, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Waupun is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 548 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Waupun has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Waupun has a population of 11,244 with a density of 2,408 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.3% female and 63.7% male. The city is predominantly White (79.4%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 9.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.6% of residents, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.6%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.4%
52% below US avg
The median household income in Waupun is $66,931, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,756 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,145, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,002 business establishments, including 166 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,931 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,756 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,992 |
| Gini Index | 0.391 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,002 |
| County GDP | $5,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 166 |
| Healthcare | 170 |
| Retail | 208 |
| Manufacturing | 138 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,187 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Waupun is $167,700, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,750, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $830 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,124 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,187 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $167,700 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,750 |
| Median List Price | $239,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $239,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $135 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.6% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $830 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.5% |
| Housing Units | 4,124 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,187 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.09% |
In Waupun, 46.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.8% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.6% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,751. The dentist ratio is 1:2,943. 71.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waupun vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,751 |
| Dentists | 1:2,943 |
| Mental Health | 1:741 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,421/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 170 |
Waupun has a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 8.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 8.8. The murder rate is 8.8 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 548 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 451, burglary at 80, vehicle theft at 18 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waupun receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waupun vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 26.5/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| Murder | 8.8/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| Rape | 8.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 8.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 548.0/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Burglary | 79.5/100K |
| Theft | 450.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 17.7/100K |
| Arson | 17.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waupun has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 903 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 903 ft (275 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,408/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6315°N, 88.7375°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dodge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wittman Regional (OSH) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0423 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.22 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.21 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
552 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 643 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
38 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
15 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
15 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
16 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
9 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
12 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
7 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
12 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Waupun has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 17°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Waupun. 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 | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waupun
What is the population of Waupun?
Waupun has a population of 11,244 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 2,408 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 36.3% female and 63.7% male.
Is Waupun expensive to live in?
Waupun 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 $66,931, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $167,700 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waupun safe?
Waupun is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 27 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 548 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waupun receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waupun?
Waupun has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Waupun?
The job market in Waupun is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,145. There are 2,002 business establishments in the area, including 166 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waupun?
The median home value in Waupun is $167,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,750. For renters, the median monthly rent is $830. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,187.
How are the schools in Waupun?
Schools in Waupun score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Waupun hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waupun?
The obesity rate in Waupun is 46.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,751.
What is transportation like in Waupun?
The average commute in Waupun is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waupun?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waupun is 79.4% White, 9.8% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 93.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.