Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waite Park, MN
Thinking of moving to Waite Park, MN? This welcoming city of 8,341 residents offers an affordable cost of living—with median home prices around $234,000 and average rents at $1,050. Commutes are a breeze at just 16 minutes, and the community enjoys 58% sunny days annually. While property crime is higher than average, Waite Park features strong healthcare options, access to higher education nearby, and a friendly small-town vibe. Explore its schools, housing, and lifestyle details below to help plan your move!
Demographics - Waite Park, MN
Demographics - Waite Park, MN
Waite Park is home to about 8,341 residents, with a population density of 1,090 people per square mile and a median age of 36.2. The community is predominantly White, though it features notable Black, Asian, and multicultural representation, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is nearly balanced, providing a diverse yet close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
8,341
Density:
1,090 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.5%
Black:
9.2%
Asian:
6.4%
Others:
9.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waite Park, MN?
Living in Waite Park is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $234,000 and average rent around $1,050 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average at 92.6, making housing and everyday expenses budget-friendly, while utilities and healthcare are slightly above average for Minnesota. State income tax rates range from 5.35% to 9.85%, contributing to manageable overall costs for most households.
Median House Value:
$234,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,440
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.6
Grocery:
97.3
Housing:
80.2
Utilities:
103.1
Transportation:
92.9
Health Care:
101.4
Miscellaneous:
94.7
Crime
Is Waite Park, MN a safe place to live?
Waite Park experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 42 chance, while violent crime remains less common at about 1 in 243. The overall crime index suggests residents should stay aware of safety, but many find the city’s proactive community initiatives reassuring. Most neighborhoods are generally safe, especially with proper precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
411
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,397
Crime Index:
2,808
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 243
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Waite Park, MN year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, from cold winters with lows around 3°F to warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. Waite Park receives about 27.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 58% of the year, making for pleasant springs and colorful autumns. Seasonal changes offer a variety of outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
24°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Waite Park’s community has a median household income of about $48,950 and a family income of $62,000, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. The area is well-educated, with more than 91% of adults holding a high school diploma and nearly a quarter having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging just 16 minutes, and public transportation usage is limited.
Median Income:
$29,700
Household Income:
$48,950
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,250
Income Male:
$36,400
Income Female:
$30,100
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.1%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
16.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.6%
Education
How are the schools in Waite Park, MN?
Waite Park offers quality education through its public schools, including Discovery Community School and Waite Park Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. Nearby higher education institutions like St. Cloud State University and St. Cloud Technical & Community College are just two miles away, providing ample opportunities for advanced learning. Local private and parochial schools also serve students seeking alternative educational options.
Public Schools
Name:
Discovery Community School
Street:
700 7th St S
Phone:
320-370-6180
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Waite Park Elementary School
Street:
151 13th Ave N
Phone:
320-370-7630
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
108 6th Ave N, St. Joseph, MN
Phone:
320-363-7505
Students:
190
Colleges
Name:
St. Cloud State University
City:
St. Cloud
State:
MN
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
10,200
Name:
St. Cloud Technical & Community College
City:
St. Cloud
State:
MN
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Waite Park residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with 93.6% insured and 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people. St. Cloud Hospital, a major facility with emergency services, is nearby, ensuring quality medical care is within reach. The local healthcare index reflects good overall health resources for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Cloud Hospital
Address:
1406 6th Ave N, St. Cloud, MN 56303
Phone:
(320) 251-2700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waite Park, MN?
The housing market in Waite Park is accessible, with the median home price at $234,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,050. Owner-occupied homes make up about 41% of the market, and the area has seen a home appreciation rate of 5.3% over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, giving both buyers and renters a variety of options.
Median Home Price:
$234,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Waite Park are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, located in St. Paul. Residents can access licensing, registration, and title services through the department’s website or by phone. The state provides streamlined resources for vehicle and driver needs.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
(651) 297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.