RANK #39 / 996 NAT · #3 / 29 WI · POP 51,822
1YR FORECAST: +5.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +40%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 ranks #39 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 96/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +0.7% and a median household income of $69,198 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Waupaca County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $178,500, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.39 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $817/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Waupaca County are both close to flat — population +0.1% YoY and jobs +0.7%. Home values shifted +7.8% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.46% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Waupaca County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +7.8% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Waupaca County is now valued at $178,500. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.