Waupaca County, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
51,569
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,830/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,791
0.7% year-over-year change

Waupaca County population

How many people live in Waupaca County

Waupaca County is home to 51,569 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Waupaca County locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
51,569
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
26,324
Female
49%
25,245
Value Percent YoY change
Male 26,324 51% -0.3%
Female 25,245 49% -0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Waupaca County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 10.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 29.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
10.6%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
29.2%
Over 65
21.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,388 16.3% -1.3%
15 to 24 5,493 10.6% -0.2%
25 to 44 11,690 22.7% 0.4%
45 to 64 15,031 29.2% -1.4%
Over 65 10,967 21.3% 1.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Waupaca County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 50,726 98.4% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 491 1% 6.3%
Non-citizens 352 0.7% 28.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.2%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 48,037 93.2%
Black or African American 285 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 109 0.2%
Asian 139 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 2,341 4.5%
Other 657 1.3%

Households in Waupaca County

A peek inside Waupaca County households

Waupaca County has 22,571 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.2% are families, while the remaining 34.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
22,571
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,865
Family households
14,706
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,865 34.8% 0.7%
Family households 14,706 65.2% 0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Waupaca County

The housing landscape of Waupaca County

Waupaca County's housing consists of 25,791 units, with 77.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,791
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 20,051 77.7%
1 unit, attached 425 1.6%
2 units 1,072 4.2%
3 or 4 units 539 2.1%
5 to 9 units 1,105 4.3%
10 to 19 units 830 3.2%
20 to 49 units 357 1.4%
50 or more units 171 0.7%
Mobile home 1,238 4.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
217
46.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waupaca County

In Waupaca County, the median construction year is 1975. About 22% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,681 22% 2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,304 5.1% -1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,097 8.1% -2.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,855 7.2% -7.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,824 14.8% 2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,833 11% -4.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,682 14.3% -2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,993 11.6% 6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,305 5.1% 14.9%
Built in 2020 or later 217 0.8% 46.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Waupaca County occupancy rates

Out of the 22,571 occupied housing units in Waupaca County, 75.3% are owner-occupied, while 24.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
22,571
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,571
Owner occupied
17,000
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,571 24.7% -1.1%
Owner occupied 17,000 75.3% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Waupaca County housing costs

Housing costs in Waupaca County come to a median of $970 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $852.

Median housing costs per month
$970/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Waupaca County
$852/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Waupaca County

Waupaca County education at a glance

About 49% of the population in Waupaca County went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 811 2% -1.2%
High school diploma 20,203 49% -1.6%
College diploma 7,659 18.6% -1.8%
Associate degree 4,466 10.8% 7.6%
Bachelor's degree 5,938 14.4% -0.4%
Graduate degree 2,123 5.2% 7.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Waupaca County

How much people earn in Waupaca County

The average annual household income in Waupaca County was $93,820 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,830, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waupaca County
$93,820/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waupaca County
$72,830/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Waupaca County income by age

In Waupaca County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,886. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,459 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,630, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,287 in earnings. Overall, 89.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,630 -8.1%
25 - 44 $92,886 11.4%
45 - 64 $83,459 -0.1%
Over 65 $47,287 -2.1%
Above poverty level
44,694
Below poverty level
5,199
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 44,694 89.6% -0.6%
Below poverty level 5,199 10.4% 3.2%

Employment in Waupaca County

Workforce and job types in Waupaca County

The job market in Waupaca County is powered by 25,414 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 70.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
25,414
-0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
16,245
Blue collar
9,169
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,245 63.9% -1.2%
Blue collar 9,169 36.1% 0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
70.9%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,490 9.8% -6.0%
Private companies 18,015 70.9% -0.0%
Governmental workers 3,271 12.9% 6.0%
Not for profit companies 1,638 6.4% -8.6%
Unemployment rate
2.8%
-15.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waupaca County stands at 2.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Waupaca County

How people get around in Waupaca County

In Waupaca County, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 87.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
-0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 21,802 87.9% -0.8%
Taxicab 21 0.1% -40.0%
Bus or trolleybus 19 0.1% 0.0%
Motorcycle 13 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 27 0.1% -10.0%
Walk 712 2.9% -3.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Waupaca County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54950 2,802 1,191 $67,102 $77,469
54961 14,485 6,127 $71,824 $108,964
54486 2,171 915 $60,528 $72,730
54922 1,101 461 $76,350 $109,360
54929 8,776 3,919 $64,626 $79,067
54933 106 47 $63,125 $70,966
54940 4,533 1,856 $90,813 $107,135
54945 3,470 1,581 $69,602 $85,592
54946 401 0 $0 $0
54949 3,565 1,547 $90,786 $93,396

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FAQs about Waupaca County demographics 

What is the total population of Waupaca County?

Waupaca County has a total population of 51,569 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waupaca County?

The gender ratio in Waupaca County is as follows:
  • 51% males (26,324 residents)
  • 49% females (25,245 residents)

What is the median age in Waupaca County?

The median age in Waupaca County is 45.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waupaca County?

The age distribution in Waupaca County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (8,388 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.6% (5,493 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (11,690 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.2% (15,031 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.3% (10,967 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waupaca County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waupaca County is as follows:
  • White: 93.2% (48,037 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (285 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (109 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (139 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (2,341 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (657 residents)

What percentage of the population in Waupaca County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Waupaca County.

How many housing units are there in Waupaca County?

There are 25,791 housing units in Waupaca County, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Waupaca County and what is the average household size?

Waupaca County has a total of 22,571 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waupaca County?

Waupaca County has a median household income of $72,830, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Waupaca County?

The employment rate is 97.2% in Waupaca County, with a workforce of 25,414 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.9% (16,245 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.1% (9,169 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (2,490 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.9% (18,015 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (3,271 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (1,638 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025