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.

2040608010013.141.57974.662.969.232.458.149.6Tax13.1Cost41.5Safety79Health74.6Schools62.9Income69.2Risk32.4Water58.1Weather49.654.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Waupaca County DNA

Foverall

How Waupaca County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Waupaca County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (74.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (13.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13.1-38.9
Cost
41.5
Safety
79+24
Health
74.6+24.599999999999994
Schools
62.9+8.899999999999999
Income
69.2+18.200000000000003
Risk
32.4-14.600000000000001
Water
58.1
Weather
49.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Waupaca County?

Many homeowners in Waupaca County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$192,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$834/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$192,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,189/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Sagadahoc County
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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
Wisconsin
44.1
Calumet County
Wisconsin
39.2

Deep Dives

Waupaca County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Waupaca County

via WaterByCounty

Strong compliance despite C grade

Waupaca County holds a C grade, though its violation rate of 7.9 per 100,000 residents is far superior to the state average of 76.3. Only two major health violations were recorded in the federal database over the past five years.

Watershed health outperforms state average

Only 3.9% of assessed water bodies are impaired, nearly half the state average of 7.6% for the 2022 cycle. Phosphorus and total suspended solids are the primary pollutants identified in the 22 affected water bodies.

Focus on pesticide and organic data

Researchers have recorded 51,825 measurements across 133 sites over the past five years. These monitoring efforts prioritize pesticides and organic compounds to safeguard the county's water resources.

Wolf River surges above typical levels

The Wolf River at New London is flowing at 2,850 cfs, representing 155% of its long-term mean of 1,839 cfs. This current discharge indicates a significant increase in volume compared to historical averages.

Monitor runoff during high flow

With the Wolf River flowing 55% above its typical mean, residents should be wary of increased agricultural runoff and debris in surface water. Homeowners in rural areas should maintain consistent well testing, focusing on pesticide screening.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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