Waseca, MN
Population 9,209 · Minnesota
About Waseca, MN
Waseca is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 9,209 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,546 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waseca features a median home value of $185,600, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waseca in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $796, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,750 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (2,535 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,086 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waseca shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waseca have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.4% of Waseca 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 10.2% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waseca, MN
Compared to national averages, Waseca has a median household income of $61,546 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,600, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $796 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Waseca's income is 17% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 9% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Waseca, MN?
Waseca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $796/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,546) that falls below the national average. However, Waseca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waseca has a population of 9,209 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Waseca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Waseca
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mound | 9,176 | $91,370 | $348,600 | Compare |
| Little Falls | 9,094 | $46,284 | $198,100 | Compare |
| East Grand Forks | 9,067 | $74,618 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 9,031 | $114,679 | $394,100 | Compare |
| St. Anthony city (Hennepin and Ramsey Counties), Minnesota | 9,516 | $97,784 | $365,700 | Compare |
| Thief River Falls | 8,841 | $65,244 | $169,300 | Compare |
| Baxter | 8,804 | $71,272 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Arden Hills | 9,737 | $128,668 | $423,800 | 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 Waseca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waseca
What is the population of Waseca, MN?
The population of Waseca, MN is 9,209 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 Waseca?
The median household income in Waseca, MN is $61,546 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waseca?
The median home value in Waseca, MN is $185,600, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waseca?
The median monthly rent in Waseca, MN is $796, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waseca?
The unemployment rate in Waseca, MN is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waseca, MN a good place to live?
Waseca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,209 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waseca, MN?
16.4% of residents in Waseca 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 Waseca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waseca, MN: median home value is $185,600 (24% below national), median rent is $796/month, and median household income is $61,546. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waseca?
The poverty rate in Waseca, MN is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waseca, MN?
Waseca's population is 10.2% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.