RANK #40 / 996 · POP 51,822 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.6%
Waupaca County, Wisconsin, is often first recognized by locals for its Chain O' Lakes, a unique collection of 22 interconnected, spring-fed lakes known for their clear waters and distinctive blue-green coloration. Located in central Wisconsin, the county seat of Waupaca is approximately a 30-minute drive from Stevens Point and 40 minutes from Appleton, with Madison and Milwaukee under two hours away. The community offers a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation like boating, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling across its numerous lakes, rivers, and forests.
Life in Waupaca County offers a quality environment with a focus on community and outdoor living. The area attracts families, retirees, and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle, with local schools serving over 7,500 students across 27 public schools. Commute times are generally short, averaging 15 minutes within the city of Waupaca, though many residents also commute to nearby cities for work. The economy is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, with recent efforts focused on improving workforce transportation and expanding housing options. The county has also seen investments in renewable energy initiatives.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Cloverleaf Solar Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$358M | Proposed |
|
Clintonville Solar Project
Cleanview (developer not specified)
|
$300M | Planned |
|
River North Ridge (Residential & Multi-family Development)
Tycore Built
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Waupaca County has a Boom Town Index score of 96/100, ranking #40 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.7% and a median household income of $69,198, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Waupaca County is $178,500 with median rent at $817/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3877, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.7%. Home values changed +7.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.46% of Waupaca County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.