Waupaca city, Wisconsin Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Waupaca city, Wisconsin has a total population of 6,314, the 137th largest city in Wisconsin, with a median household income of $52,586, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Waupaca city Quick Facts
How Waupaca city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 36 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Waupaca city Rankings in Wisconsin
Explore Wisconsin Rankings
Other Cities in Waupaca County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New London city | 7,492 | $61,447 | 17.5% | $162,800 |
| Clintonville city | 4,553 | $55,960 | 19.6% | $111,900 |
| Weyauwega city | 1,760 | $64,549 | 10.0% | $137,200 |
| Manawa city | 1,317 | $79,432 | 9.8% | $146,200 |
| Marion city | 1,167 | $63,750 | 18.9% | $97,500 |
| Fremont village | 592 | $71,875 | 13.2% | $210,200 |
| Scandinavia village | 365 | $66,875 | 3.0% | $166,100 |
| Embarrass village | 338 | $62,750 | 10.3% | $133,300 |
| Ogdensburg village | 166 | $65,833 | 13.9% | $93,300 |
| Big Falls village | 157 | N/A | 14.6% | $73,300 |
Cities Similar to Waupaca city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie du Chien city | 5,471 | $52,670 | $152,100 | 16.5% | 14.7% |
| Berlin city | 5,523 | $55,216 | $143,800 | 15.9% | 17.6% |
| Richland Center city | 5,030 | $51,472 | $137,700 | 18.5% | 17.3% |
| North Fond du Lac village | 5,373 | $61,744 | $144,900 | 14.7% | 13.3% |
| New London city | 7,492 | $61,447 | $162,800 | 16.7% | 17.5% |
Population Overview
Waupaca city is a small city located in Wisconsin, within Waupaca County. The total population is 6,314. It ranks as the 137th most populous out of 807 cities and towns in Wisconsin.
Age Demographics
The median age in Waupaca city is 42.5 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 10.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Waupaca city is $52,586. This is 31% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 33% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%. This is 2% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 7.3%. This is 121% higher than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $177,600. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $247,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 56.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 67.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Waupaca city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.3%. The Black or African American population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 6.0%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.
Education
24.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 32.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Waupaca city, Wisconsin is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Wisconsin state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 807 Census-designated places in Wisconsin. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Waupaca city, Wisconsin?
Waupaca city, Wisconsin has a population of 6,314 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Waupaca city, WI?
The median household income in Waupaca city is $52,586, which is 33% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Waupaca city, WI?
The poverty rate in Waupaca city is 10.7%. This means approximately 632 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Waupaca city, Wisconsin?
Waupaca city's population is 91.2% White, 1.2% Black, 5.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Waupaca city, WI?
The median home value in Waupaca city is $177,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Waupaca city, Wisconsin?
24.8% of adults (25+) in Waupaca city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.