Waupaca County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Waupaca County, Wisconsin is 51,714 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $71,189, the median home value is $192,800, and the median age is 45.4.
The population of Waupaca County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (52,396 → 51,171), a -0.17% annualized rate.
51,714
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
69
People / sq mi
$71,189
Median Income
$192,800
Median Home Value
Waupaca County covers 748 sq mi of land at 69.2 people per square mile.
About Waupaca County, WI
Waupaca County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 15.1% of the population. Waupaca County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 51,714. It ranks #28 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
Median household income is $71,189, below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.7% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $192,800, with typical rent around $834.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 7.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Waupaca County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Waupaca County had a population of 52,396 in 2010 and 51,171 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 52,396 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.17%.
51,171
Population (2024)
52,396
Population (2010)
52,396
Peak (2010)
-0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 52,396 |
| 2011 | 52,293 |
| 2012 | 51,922 |
| 2013 | 52,068 |
| 2014 | 51,934 |
| 2015 | 51,684 |
| 2016 | 51,301 |
| 2017 | 51,108 |
| 2018 | 51,051 |
| 2019 | 50,863 |
| 2020 | 51,806 |
| 2021 | 51,897 |
| 2022 | 51,645 |
| 2023 | 51,324 |
| 2024 | 51,171 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.4
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,189$-4,481 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,598 |
| Per-capita income | $40,581 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Waupaca County is manufacturing, accounting for 29.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.0%
Carpool
81.8%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$192,800$-54,600 vs state
Median home value
$834
Median rent
74.8%
Homeownership rate
25,620
Total housing units
87.4%
Occupied
12.6%
Vacant
25.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
15.1%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
96.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.0%
High School+
20.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Wisconsin
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Waupaca County, Wisconsin has a population of 51,714 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 69 people per square mile.
The population of Waupaca County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (52,396 → 51,171), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Waupaca County, Wisconsin is $71,189, with mean (average) household income of $91,598 and per-capita income of $40,581. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Waupaca County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Waupaca County, Wisconsin is 45.4 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Waupaca County is $192,800 and median monthly rent is $834. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 25,620 total housing units, 12.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Waupaca County, Wisconsin is manufacturing, employing 29.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Waupaca County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
Waupaca County, WI Climate
Waupaca County, WI has an average annual temperature of 6.7°C (44°F) and receives about 799 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.7°C
Avg Temp
799
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 14° | 30 mm |
| February | -7° / 20° | 25 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 51 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 68 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 92 mm |
| June | 19° / 65° | 91 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 97 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 97 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 95 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 62 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 54 mm |
| December | -6° / 20° | 37 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Waupaca County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Waupaca County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Waupaca County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.