Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waseca, MN
Considering a move to Waseca, MN? This friendly city of 8,600 residents boasts affordable living with median home prices around $181,000 and average rents at just $865. Commute times are short at 18 minutes, and you'll find plenty of sunny days (61%) amid classic Minnesota seasons. With low crime, accessible healthcare, and strong elementary and high schools, Waseca is a welcoming choice for families and those seeking small-town charm with modern conveniences.
Demographics - Waseca, MN
Demographics - Waseca, MN
Waseca is home to approximately 8,600 residents, with a median age of 39.6 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density fosters a close-knit, friendly atmosphere ideal for families and newcomers alike.
Population:
8,636
Density:
1,790 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waseca, MN?
Living in Waseca is affordable, with a median home value of $181,000 and average rents around $865 per month. The overall cost of living index is 84.5, which is lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice. Residents benefit from reasonable utility and transportation costs, and state taxes range from 5.35% to 9.85%.
Median House Value:
$181,000
Gross Rent:
$865
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,275
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
99.0
Housing:
67.5
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Waseca, MN a safe place to live?
Waseca offers a sense of security, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,850 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 476, making it a safe environment for families and individuals. The city’s overall crime index reflects its reputation as a peaceful small town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Waseca, MN year-round?
Waseca experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 4°F and warm summers reaching highs near 81°F. The city enjoys about 61% sunny days annually and receives roughly 33 inches of rainfall each year. Residents can expect a classic Minnesota climate, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
4°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Waseca’s residents enjoy a median household income of $64,170 and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the poverty rate is below 10%. Commutes are short, averaging under 18 minutes, contributing to a relaxed and accessible lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$64,170
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,300
Income Male:
$43,200
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
9.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$865
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
17.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Waseca, MN?
Waseca boasts strong educational options, with public schools offering favorable student-teacher ratios and a variety of programs for K-12 students. The city also features private school choices and is within commuting distance to colleges like Rasmussen University in Mankato. This makes Waseca an excellent choice for families prioritizing quality education.
Public Schools
Name:
Waseca Junior and Senior High
Street:
1717 2nd St NW
Phone:
507-835-5470
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Hartley Elementary School
Street:
605 7th Ave NE
Phone:
507-835-2248
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
308 W Elm Ave
Phone:
507-835-2780
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Rasmussen University - Mankato
City:
Mankato
State:
MN
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Waseca is accessible, with the Mayo Clinic Health System providing general and emergency services locally. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 93% of the population has health insurance coverage. The healthcare index of 75 reflects reliable and comprehensive local medical resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Waseca
Address:
501 N State St, Waseca, MN 56093
Phone:
(507) 835-1210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
75.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waseca, MN?
Waseca’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $181,000 and most residents (67%) owning their homes. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $865, and the area sees modest home appreciation at 4.2% annually. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make it a secure place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$181,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$865
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services in Waseca are provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at a convenient downtown location. Residents can handle licensing, vehicle registration, and related needs at the local office or access information online. This ensures essential transportation services are easily within reach.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
207 N State St, Waseca, MN 56093
Phone:
(507) 835-0664
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.