countyscore
54.7
County Score
Safety 79Health 74.6Income & Jobs 69.2

County Report Card

About Waupaca County, Wisconsin

Exceeding National Expectations

Waupaca County’s composite score of 54.7 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is more robust than most American counties.

Beating the State Average

Waupaca’s 54.7 score puts it well ahead of the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It offers a compelling mix of safety and economic stability that stands out in the central part of the state.

Superior Safety and Health

The county features a strong safety score of 79.0 and a health score of 74.6. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle with a median home value of $192,800, which is very accessible compared to urban centers.

High Taxes and Environmental Risks

The tax score of 13.1 is quite low, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.492%. Additionally, the risk score of 32.4 suggests the area is more vulnerable to natural or environmental hazards than neighboring counties.

Great for Budget-Conscious Families

Waupaca County is ideal for families looking for a safe, healthy environment without the sky-high home prices of the suburbs. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who don't mind a slightly higher tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax13.1Cost41.5Safety79Health74.6Schools62.9Income69.2Risk32.4Water58.1Weather49.6
🏛13.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Outagamie County
Wisconsin
48.1
Shawano County
Wisconsin
53.2
Winnebago County
Wisconsin
45.9
Waushara County
Wisconsin
54.5
Portage County
Wisconsin
52
Menominee County
Wisconsin
57.5
Brown County
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44.1
Calumet County
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39.2

Deep Dives

Waupaca County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Waupaca County

via TaxByCounty

Waupaca's taxes among highest in nation

Waupaca County carries Wisconsin's second-highest effective tax rate at 1.492%, placing it well above the national median and in the top tier of U.S. counties. Residents pay $2,876 in median annual property taxes despite having the state's lowest median home values.

Second-highest rate in Wisconsin

Waupaca's 1.492% effective rate ranks second-highest among Wisconsin's 72 counties, exceeded only by Winnebago County at 1.713%. This steep rate reflects the county's reliance on property taxes relative to home values and incomes.

Steeper taxes on modest homes

Waupaca's 1.492% rate far exceeds regional peers like Washburn (1.109%), Washington (1.200%), and Walworth (1.437%), making it the region's tax-heaviest county. Only Winnebago at 1.713% surpasses Waupaca's burden.

What $192,800 home costs annually

Despite having the region's lowest median home value at $192,800, Waupaca homeowners pay $2,876 annually—higher than Washburn and Waushara despite lower home prices. This inverted relationship reflects the county's elevated tax rate.

High rates make appeals even more valuable

In counties with above-average tax rates, even modest assessment reductions yield meaningful savings. Waupaca homeowners should prioritize property tax appeals—a successful challenge could save hundreds annually on modest-value homes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Waupaca County

via CostByCounty

Waupaca beats national affordability standard

Waupaca County renters spend just 14.1% of their income on housing, edging below the national 14.9% threshold. Though the median household income of $71,189 trails the national average by 5%, the county's modest $834 monthly rents deliver genuine affordability.

Among Wisconsin's most affordable

Waupaca ranks among Wisconsin's best-value counties with a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 14.9% and rents of just $834 versus $891 statewide. The county punches above its weight in affordability despite below-average incomes.

Cheaper than Walworth and Winnebago

Waupaca's $834 rent undercuts Walworth ($1,090) and Winnebago ($924) while matching the rural affordability of Waushara ($789). For value-conscious renters across central Wisconsin, Waupaca consistently delivers.

Renters have the advantage here

Waupaca renters spend 14.1% of income on housing—genuinely affordable—while homeowners spend 17.5% on mortgages, a larger burden. For renters earning $71,189, Waupaca offers breathing room that ownership does not.

Renters on modest budgets: consider Waupaca

Waupaca County delivers Wisconsin's best affordability for renters, combining below-state-average rent-to-income ratios with genuinely low absolute costs. If you're renting on a $71,000 income, Waupaca is worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Waupaca County

via IncomeByCounty

Waupaca holds its own nationally

Waupaca County's median household income of $71,189 falls slightly short of the national median of $74,755, placing it roughly at the 45th percentile. The county sits within striking distance of the national average, though some distance below the most affluent U.S. regions.

Just below Wisconsin's average income

Waupaca ranks near the middle of Wisconsin counties, with its $71,189 median income virtually aligned with the state average of $71,715. The county's per capita income of $40,581 exceeds Wisconsin's $38,794 average, suggesting a fairly typical distribution of earnings for the state.

Solid middle ground for the region

Waupaca's $71,189 income ranks above Waushara ($64,968) and Wood ($66,417), but trails Winnebago ($72,873) and Walworth ($77,359) in the broader northeast region. This positions Waupaca as a stable, moderate-income county in its peer group.

Housing costs well within budget

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 14.1%, Waupaca households spend comfortably below the national guideline on housing. The median home value of $192,800 is highly accessible for a household earning $71,189, leaving ample room for savings and other expenses.

Build steady wealth in Waupaca

Waupaca's moderate, stable income supports consistent wealth building. Focus on automatic savings, employer retirement plans, and gradual investment strategies to compound growth over time in this economically sound county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Waupaca County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Waupaca County

Waupaca County is remarkably safe with a 99.2 safety score. Its total crime rate of 499.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading Wisconsin in Public Security

With a safety score nearly a full point higher than the state average, Waupaca stands out as a state leader. Four reporting agencies track these low crime statistics to ensure community protection.

Safe Haven Compared to Nearby Counties

Waupaca’s crime rate of 499.8 per 100K is lower than Waushara County’s 717.4. It offers a much quieter profile compared to the state's average total crime rate of 1,103.1.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

The county reports only 69.5 violent crimes per 100K, far below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 430.3, emphasizing the area's overall security.

Securing Your Waupaca County Home

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but home security remains a wise investment. Basic measures like checking window locks and using light timers help keep Waupaca safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Waupaca County

via HealthByCounty

Waupaca trails national health benchmarks

Waupaca County's 76.5-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years short of the U.S. average, while 15.3% of residents report poor or fair health. These metrics suggest chronic disease challenges that preventive care and coverage expansion could address.

Waupaca ranks in lower health tier

At 76.5 years, Waupaca's life expectancy sits 1.3 years below Wisconsin's 77.8-year average, placing the county in the lower half of state health rankings. Addressing preventive care gaps could gradually shift these outcomes upward.

Mirrors Washburn's rural health struggles

Waupaca (76.5 years) closely mirrors Washburn County (76.0 years) but underperforms Winnebago (77.9 years) to the east. Despite having 58 primary care providers per 100K, the county's below-average life expectancy suggests access or engagement barriers persist.

Moderate uninsured rate signals coverage gaps

Waupaca's 6.5% uninsured rate is below the state average but still leaves 1 in 15 residents without coverage, potentially delaying preventive care. With 107 mental health providers per 100K, psychiatric services lag behind wealthier eastern counties.

Connect with local enrollment assistance

Waupaca residents without insurance should reach out to local community health centers or Wisconsin's DHS office to explore BadgerCare and affordable marketplace plans. Covering the uninsured gap—even incrementally—can improve preventive care access and health outcomes county-wide.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Waupaca County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-centered schools across seven districts

Waupaca County serves 7,534 students through a network of 26 public schools. These schools are distributed across seven districts, providing a mix of 11 elementary and eight high schools. The structure is designed to serve a spread-out population with localized community hubs.

Solid academic results and affordable operations

The county maintains a 93.1% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding the national average of 87%. Education is delivered cost-effectively, with per-pupil spending at $7,378, which is lower than both state and national averages. The composite school score of 56.0 sits just below the state average but remains competitive.

New London and Waupaca anchor the county

New London School District is the largest in the county, serving 2,086 students across seven schools. Waupaca School District follows closely with nearly 2,000 students and includes the Waupaca Learning Center, the county's largest elementary school. Three charter schools are also available, offering alternative curriculum paths for local families.

A blend of rural and town environments

The educational experience is primarily rural, with 17 schools in countryside settings and nine in town centers. The average school size is 290 students, creating a mid-sized environment where students and staff often know each other well. New London High is the largest single campus with 674 students, providing a traditional high school experience.

Discover a home in a student-focused community

Waupaca County offers families a safe, town-and-country lifestyle backed by strong graduation rates. The localized district structure ensures that schools remain the heart of each community, from New London to Weyauwega. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced, community-driven education for their children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Waupaca County

via RiskByCounty

Waupaca's risk slightly above average

Waupaca County scores 67.59, falling into the relatively low risk category despite running 14% above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. The county's composite risk places it in the moderate range nationally.

Upper-middle tier within Wisconsin

Among Wisconsin's 72 counties, Waupaca ranks in the upper half for natural disaster risk. Tornado and flood hazards drive the county's above-average score, while other risks remain relatively contained.

Comparable risk to nearby areas

Waupaca County (67.59) sits very close to neighboring Washington County (68.32) in composite risk. Both face similar threats, though Waupaca avoids the highest risk levels seen in Waukesha County (88.87) to the south.

Tornadoes and floods top the list

Tornado risk reaches 76.81 in Waupaca, while flood risk scores 66.28, creating dual exposure across much of the county. Wildfire risk (40.87) and earthquake risk (19.27) pose minimal threats, with zero hurricane exposure.

Don't skip flood insurance

Waupaca residents need strong wind and tornado coverage in their standard homeowners policies. For any property in a flood zone or with water damage history, National Flood Insurance Program coverage is essential and often surprisingly affordable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Waupaca County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Continental Conditions

Waupaca’s 44.6°F average annual temperature is squarely within the cooler tier of the U.S. interior. It experiences the sharp seasonality typical of the upper Midwest, with a 54-degree swing between January and July.

The Heart of Wisconsin Weather

Waupaca almost perfectly mirrors the state average temperature of 44.4°F. It serves as a weather bellwether for the region, balancing northern cold and southern moderate influences.

Mirroring Its Central Neighbors

Waupaca’s 46.8 inches of snow and 44.6°F average temperature are nearly identical to Waushara County. It is slightly cooler and snowier than Winnebago County to the east.

Cold Winters, Steady Precipitation

Winter temperatures average 19.4°F, which is notably colder than the southeastern counties. The county averages 7 days of 90°F heat during the summer months.

Gear Up for Winter Snow

With nearly 47 inches of annual snow, a reliable snow blower is a must-have for every driveway. Ensure your home is sealed against the 16.3°F January lows to keep heating costs manageable.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Waupaca County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Clay Mollisols of Waupaca

Waupaca County’s soil is characterized by a silty clay texture and belongs to the Mollisol order. The average pH of 5.51 is very close to the state average of 5.63 but more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This creates a specialized environment that may require lime for certain sensitive crops.

High Sand Content for a Clay Texture

Surprisingly, while the texture is silty clay, the composition contains 55.6% sand, 25.1% silt, and 9.6% clay. This high sand percentage helps keep the soil from becoming too compacted despite its clay classification. This mix provides a unique balance of drainage and structural stability.

Moderate Water Capacity and Rich Matter

The soil holds 9.09% organic matter, which is healthy but slightly lower than the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is 0.164 in/in, falling below the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in. This suggests that the soil may dry out faster than in other parts of the state.

Dealing with Heavy Group D Drainage

The dominant soil is poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D. This indicates that while the soil is sandy, it has high runoff potential and water moves slowly through the profile. You may need to manage water flow carefully to avoid erosion on sloped land.

Gardening Success in Zone 5a

Waupaca is in hardiness zone 5a, supporting cold-tolerant vegetables and northern fruit varieties. The silty clay base is great for holding onto minerals, which helps feed heavy-feeding plants like cabbage and broccoli. Start a garden this year and experiment with crops that enjoy moist, rich conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Waupaca County

via LawnByCounty

Steady conditions in the heart of the state

Waupaca County holds a lawn difficulty score of 62.0, which sits just below the Wisconsin state average of 64.4. While it remains easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0, Zone 5a winters can be occasionally harsh. Success here depends on managing the transition between the long winter and the growing season.

Slightly drier northern climate

With 33.4 inches of annual precipitation, Waupaca is slightly drier than the state average of 34.5 inches. The 2,356 growing degree days provide enough warmth for steady growth, and 7 extreme heat days are standard for the region. Mowing usually begins after the May 8 frost date.

Acidic clay needs extra care

The soil pH of 5.51 is somewhat acidic, which may hinder the availability of key nutrients for your lawn. A silty clay texture with 55.6% sand often results in poor drainage and potential compaction issues. You will likely need to apply lime to raise the pH and aerate frequently to manage the clay-heavy base.

Current dry spell requires attention

Approximately 69.3% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following 16 weeks of drought over the last year. Because the soil is sandy and poorly drained, watering deeply twice a week is better than daily light misting. Mulching your grass clippings can help return moisture and nutrients to the soil during these dry stretches.

Plant for durability in Zone 5a

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are the most reliable choices for the Zone 5a environment. The growing season is defined by frost dates from May 8 to October 6, giving you a solid five-month window. Late summer seeding is best to avoid the competition of spring weeds.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waupaca County's county score?
Waupaca County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 54.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Waupaca County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Waupaca County ranks #18 among all counties in Wisconsin on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Waupaca County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Waupaca County is $2,876, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Waupaca County a tax score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Waupaca County?
The median household income in Waupaca County, Wisconsin is $71,189 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Waupaca County earns an income score of 69.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Waupaca County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Waupaca County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Waupaca County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Waupaca County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.