The City of Waupaca is a vibrant, small city located in east central Wisconsin boasting the beauty and seclusion of a rural setting and all the amenities and conveniences to rival big city living. While the resident population is approximately 6,400 persons, Waupaca’s service area increases to 15,000 people including surrounding townships and to approximately 30,000 people during the summer tourist season. The Waupaca area is among the Midwest’s most popular tourist destinations, including the famous Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes. As abundant outdoor recreational opportunities continue to beckon thousands to the community, the local economy is also supported by vigorous manufacturing and service industries, providing local employment opportunities as well as goods and services in a global economy.
Four major highways intersect in the city, making travel to nearby metro areas such as the Fox Cities, Green Bay, Stevens Point, and Wausau an easy and quick commute. Travel to major metropolitan areas of the Midwest is also within a few hours’ drive, being approximately two hours from Madison and Milwaukee, and four hours from Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Waupaca At a Glance
- Located in east-central Wisconsin at the junction of US Highway 10, and State Highways 22, 49 and 54
- 30 miles east of Stevens Point, 40 miles west of the Fox Cities, and 70 miles west of Green Bay
- 2 hours from Milwaukee and Madison
- 4 hours from Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Area home to famous 22 spring-fed Chain O’ Lakes
- 2 spring-fed lakes within the City limits
- 2 Class II trout streams in the City; 38 total trout streams in Waupaca County
- 38 miles from commercial air service (Outagamie County Regional Airport)
- Corporate and general aviation services available at the Waupaca Municipal Airport
- Residential population (2012 estimate): 6,047
- Service area population: 15,000
- Seasonal population (estimate): 30,000
- Businesses: 600+
- Land area: 6 square miles
- Land use: residential (18%), commercial/industrial (11%) open space/parks (45%), Water (6%), Transportation (17%), Other (3%)
- Extensive municipal recreation facilities for nature, arts, and sports enthusiasts
- Year-round special events programming for entertainment and recreation
Demographics
Click here to Visit WEDC’s Waupaca Demographics webpage.
