Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waupaca, WI
Thinking of moving to Waupaca, WI? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of about 6,300, Waupaca offers affordable living, with median home prices around $167,000 and average rents of $890. Residents enjoy quick commutes (about 16 minutes), a low cost of living, and access to local healthcare and schools. While crime rates are slightly above the national average, Waupaca is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong community spirit—making it a great spot for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in Wisconsin.
Demographics - Waupaca, WI
Demographics - Waupaca, WI
Waupaca is a close-knit community of roughly 6,300 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 43. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, offering a comfortable, small-town atmosphere for families and retirees alike.
Population:
6,282
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waupaca, WI?
Living in Waupaca is affordable, with a median home value of $167,000 and average rents around $890. Residents benefit from a cost of living index significantly below the national average, making everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities, more manageable.
Median House Value:
$167,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
68.3
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
95.7
Health Care:
89.5
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Waupaca, WI a safe place to live?
Waupaca experiences a moderate crime rate, with property crimes being more common than violent offenses. While the chance of property crime is about 1 in 68, the city’s overall safety remains comparable to other small towns in Wisconsin.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
188
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,460
Crime Index:
1,648
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 532
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Waupaca, WI year-round?
Waupaca enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers that reach up to 80°F and cold winters with lows around 7°F. The area receives about 32 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine nearly half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
26°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of around $56,100, and most residents enjoy short, 16-minute commutes. With a poverty rate of 14% and a high school graduation rate above 91%, Waupaca combines economic stability with accessible educational opportunities.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$56,100
Family Income:
$67,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
21.5%
Education
How are the schools in Waupaca, WI?
Education in Waupaca is supported by well-rated public schools, such as Waupaca High and Middle School, and private options including Saint Peter Lutheran School. Residents also have access to higher education through Fox Valley Technical College’s local campus and nearby universities.
Public Schools
Name:
Waupaca High School
Street:
E2325 King Rd
Phone:
715-258-4131
Students:
640
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Waupaca Middle School
Street:
E2325 King Rd
Phone:
715-258-4140
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Peter Lutheran School
Street:
312 W Main St
Phone:
715-258-3533
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Fox Valley Technical College - Waupaca Regional Center
City:
Waupaca
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
Approx. 350
Name:
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
City:
Stevens Point
State:
WI
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
8,200
Healthcare
Waupaca is served by ThedaCare Medical Center and offers good access to healthcare, with about 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from a reliable network of local medical services and emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca
Address:
800 Riverside Dr, Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone:
(715) 258-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waupaca, WI?
The housing market in Waupaca is quite accessible, with median home prices at $167,000 and a majority of residents owning their homes. Home values have appreciated steadily in recent years, and rental options remain affordable with moderate vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$167,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Waupaca’s DMV is conveniently located at the Waupaca Service Center on Tower Road, providing access to vehicle registration and licensing services. The office is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for easy handling of all motor vehicle needs.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Waupaca Service Center, 201 Tower Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
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.