Waupaca, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,283
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,727/yr
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,029
-0.0% year-over-year change

Waupaca population

How many people live in Waupaca

Waupaca is home to 6,283 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Waupaca locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
6,283
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
3,258
Female
48.2%
3,025
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,258 51.8% -4.4%
Female 3,025 48.2% 4.1%
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 is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
23.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,119 17.8% 0.5%
15 to 24 587 9.3% -17.0%
25 to 44 1,612 25.7% 7.9%
45 to 64 1,501 23.9% -5.8%
Over 65 1,464 23.3% 4.0%
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, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.3% of locals are Caucasian, 1.4% are African American and 0.6% 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
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,181 98.4% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 75 1.2% 7.1%
Non-citizens 27 0.4% 285.7%
Racial breakdown
White
92.3%
Black or African American
1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 5,800 92.3%
Black or African American 86 1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.2%
Asian 40 0.6%
Two or more races 281 4.5%
Other 63 1%

Households in Waupaca

A peek inside Waupaca households

Waupaca has 2,846 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.1% are families, while the remaining 41.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,846
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,192
Family households
1,654
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,192 41.9% -7.5%
Family households 1,654 58.1% 6.1%
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

The housing landscape of Waupaca

Waupaca's housing consists of 3,029 units, with 57.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.9% 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 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,029
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,742 57.5%
1 unit, attached 119 3.9%
2 units 227 7.5%
3 or 4 units 68 2.2%
5 to 9 units 272 9%
10 to 19 units 309 10.2%
20 to 49 units 73 2.4%
50 or more units 80 2.6%
Mobile home 139 4.6%
Homes built since 2020
30
57.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waupaca

In Waupaca, the median construction year is 1976. About 21% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 635 21% 4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 236 7.8% -2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 193 6.4% -18.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 152 5% -29.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 498 16.4% 14.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 233 7.7% -27.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 294 9.7% -3.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 554 18.3% 18.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 204 6.7% 16.6%
Built in 2020 or later 30 1% 57.9%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 2,846 occupied housing units in Waupaca, 61.3% are owner-occupied, while 38.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,846
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,102
Owner occupied
1,744
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,102 38.7% -11.4%
Owner occupied 1,744 61.3% 8.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.0%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Waupaca come to a median of $875 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $783.

Median housing costs per month
$875/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
$783/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

Waupaca education at a glance

About 44.9% of the population in Waupaca went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 11% earned an associate degree and 17.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 52 1.1% -22.4%
High school diploma 2,212 44.9% 3.2%
College diploma 1,018 20.7% -10.4%
Associate degree 542 11% 13.9%
Bachelor's degree 883 17.9% -5.4%
Graduate degree 218 4.4% 6.3%
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

How much people earn in Waupaca

The average annual household income in Waupaca was $70,523 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,727, reflecting a +0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waupaca
$70,523/year
-4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waupaca
$52,727/year
0.3% year-over-year change

Waupaca income by age

In Waupaca, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,163. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,208 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $82,826, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $31,510 in earnings. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $82,826 3.5%
25 - 44 $77,163 -2.0%
45 - 64 $57,208 -26.5%
Over 65 $31,510 1.4%
Above poverty level
5,126
Below poverty level
671
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,126 88.4% -1.9%
Below poverty level 671 11.6% 6.2%

Average renter income in Waupaca

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waupaca, their median household income was $43,168 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,168
Rent-to-income ratio
21.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Waupaca

Workforce and job types in Waupaca

The job market in Waupaca is powered by 2,518 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.7% run their own businesses, 70.7% are employed by private companies, and 21.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,518
-1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,903
Blue collar
615
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,903 75.6% -7.5%
Blue collar 615 24.4% 21.5%
Employer type
Self employees
2.7%
Private companies
70.7%
Governmental workers
21.4%
Not for profit companies
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 69 2.7% -37.8%
Private companies 1,781 70.7% -0.6%
Governmental workers 538 21.4% 25.7%
Not for profit companies 130 5.2% -44.2%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-25.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waupaca stands at 5.6%, 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

How people get around in Waupaca

Commuting methods vary: 85.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,139 85.8% -2.5%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.1% -33.3%
Walk 22 0.9% N/A
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54981 14,870 6,830 $72,640 $91,848
54946 401 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Waupaca demographics 

What is the total population of Waupaca?

Waupaca has a total population of 6,283 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waupaca?

The gender ratio in Waupaca is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (3,258 residents)
  • 48.2% females (3,025 residents)

What is the median age in Waupaca?

The median age in Waupaca is 42.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waupaca?

The age distribution in Waupaca is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (1,119 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (587 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (1,612 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (1,501 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.3% (1,464 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waupaca?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waupaca is as follows:
  • White: 92.3% (5,800 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.4% (86 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (40 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (281 residents)
  • Other: 1% (63 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Waupaca?

There are 3,029 housing units in Waupaca, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waupaca has a total of 2,846 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waupaca?

Waupaca has a median household income of $52,727, representing a +0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.4% in Waupaca, with a workforce of 2,518 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.6% (1,903 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.4% (615 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.7% (69 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.7% (1,781 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.4% (538 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.2% (130 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