Waite Park, MN
Population 8,341 · Minnesota
About Waite Park, MN
Waite Park is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 8,341 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,884 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waite Park features a median home value of $217,000, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waite Park in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,072, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,712 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (1,868 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (1,707 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waite Park shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waite Park have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Waite Park residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 26.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waite Park, MN
Compared to national averages, Waite Park has a median household income of $56,884 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $217,000, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,072 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Waite Park's income is 23% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 6% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Waite Park, MN?
Waite Park offers affordable housing with a median home value of $217,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,072/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,884) that falls below the national average. However, Waite Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waite Park has a population of 8,341 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Waite Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Waite Park
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 8,362 | $48,321 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Dayton | 8,381 | $137,383 | $510,600 | Compare |
| St. Francis | 8,279 | $101,875 | $297,800 | Compare |
| Orono | 8,205 | $181,875 | $952,400 | Compare |
| New Prague | 8,195 | $98,424 | $323,500 | Compare |
| Minnetrista | 8,509 | $156,346 | $624,600 | Compare |
| Mahtomedi | 8,108 | $132,326 | $466,100 | Compare |
| Albertville | 8,066 | $126,307 | $326,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Waite Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waite Park
What is the population of Waite Park, MN?
The population of Waite Park, MN is 8,341 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Waite Park?
The median household income in Waite Park, MN is $56,884 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waite Park?
The median home value in Waite Park, MN is $217,000, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waite Park?
The median monthly rent in Waite Park, MN is $1,072, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waite Park?
The unemployment rate in Waite Park, MN is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waite Park, MN a good place to live?
Waite Park offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,341 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waite Park, MN?
17.6% of residents in Waite Park aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Waite Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waite Park, MN: median home value is $217,000 (11% below national), median rent is $1,072/month, and median household income is $56,884. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waite Park?
The poverty rate in Waite Park, MN is 24.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Waite Park, MN?
Waite Park's population is 3.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 34.7% two or more races. 26.0% of residents are foreign-born.