Waunakee, WI
Population 14,927 · Wisconsin
About Waunakee, WI
Waunakee is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 14,927 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $128,750 per year, which is 71% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waunakee features a median home value of $490,300, which is 100% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waunakee in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,236, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,660 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (4,208 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (1,264 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waunakee shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waunakee have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
62.0% of Waunakee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waunakee Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Waunakee, WI
Compared to national averages, Waunakee has a median household income of $128,750 (71% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $490,300, which is 100% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,236 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Waunakee's income is 77% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 138% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Waunakee, WI?
Waunakee offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $128,750, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%, and a well-educated community where 62.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $490,300. However, Waunakee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waunakee has a population of 14,927 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Waunakee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Waunakee
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson | 15,004 | $97,036 | $355,000 | Compare |
| Whitefish Bay | 14,750 | $154,255 | $498,700 | Compare |
| Greendale | 14,656 | $95,015 | $289,600 | Compare |
| Chippewa Falls | 14,643 | $62,133 | $194,800 | Compare |
| Salem Lakes | 14,521 | $94,554 | $281,500 | Compare |
| Verona | 14,499 | $119,148 | $382,800 | Compare |
| Whitewater | 15,705 | $49,000 | $211,800 | Compare |
| Hartford | 15,761 | $74,252 | $261,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Waunakee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waunakee
What is the population of Waunakee, WI?
The population of Waunakee, WI is 14,927 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Waunakee?
The median household income in Waunakee, WI is $128,750 per year, which is 71% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waunakee?
The median home value in Waunakee, WI is $490,300, which is 100% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waunakee?
The median monthly rent in Waunakee, WI is $1,236, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waunakee?
The unemployment rate in Waunakee, WI is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waunakee, WI a good place to live?
Waunakee offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 14,927 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waunakee, WI?
62.0% of residents in Waunakee aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Waunakee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waunakee, WI: median home value is $490,300 (100% above national), median rent is $1,236/month, and median household income is $128,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waunakee?
The poverty rate in Waunakee, WI is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waunakee, WI?
Waunakee's population is 3.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.