Waupaca, WI
Population 6,314 · Wisconsin
About Waupaca, WI
Waupaca is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 6,314 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,586 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waupaca features a median home value of $177,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waupaca in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $748, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,030 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,604 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,244 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waupaca shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waupaca have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.8% of Waupaca residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waupaca, WI
Compared to national averages, Waupaca has a median household income of $52,586 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,600, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $748 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Waupaca's income is 28% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 14% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Waupaca, WI?
Waupaca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $748/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,586) that falls below the national average. However, Waupaca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waupaca has a population of 6,314 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Waupaca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Waupaca
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Lakes | 6,351 | $85,800 | $257,000 | Compare |
| Lake Mills | 6,391 | $87,039 | $282,400 | Compare |
| Elm Grove | 6,428 | $133,304 | $468,000 | Compare |
| Slinger | 6,173 | $99,457 | $337,700 | Compare |
| Rib Mountain | 6,134 | $87,054 | $237,700 | Compare |
| Edgerton | 5,924 | $84,185 | $243,900 | Compare |
| Fox Point | 6,746 | $140,818 | $414,900 | Compare |
| Sturtevant | 6,787 | $84,479 | $231,000 | 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 Waupaca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waupaca
What is the population of Waupaca, WI?
The population of Waupaca, WI is 6,314 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Waupaca?
The median household income in Waupaca, WI is $52,586 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waupaca?
The median home value in Waupaca, WI is $177,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waupaca?
The median monthly rent in Waupaca, WI is $748, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waupaca?
The unemployment rate in Waupaca, WI is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waupaca, WI a good place to live?
Waupaca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,314 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waupaca, WI?
24.8% of residents in Waupaca 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 Waupaca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waupaca, WI: median home value is $177,600 (27% below national), median rent is $748/month, and median household income is $52,586. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waupaca?
The poverty rate in Waupaca, WI is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waupaca, WI?
Waupaca's population is 4.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.