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 a county in Wisconsin with a population of 51,714. It ranks #28 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 45.4, older than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Waupaca County is $71,189, near the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $192,800, with monthly rent averaging $834. The homeownership rate of 74.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Waupaca County reflects 20.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.0 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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.