Is Waupun Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waupun

Waupun, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban centers. This city provides a unique living experience for those seeking a quieter pace of life while still valuing proximity to amenities and employment opportunities. Understanding the various facets of Waupun, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and climate, is essential for anyone considering a move to this Midwestern community.

The following information aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Waupun, covering key aspects that influence the quality of life for its residents. From the safety of its neighborhoods to the opportunities available, this guide delves into the details that make Waupun a distinct place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Waupun?

Waupun presents a mixed but generally manageable safety profile for its residents. The city has an overall crime rate of 6 per 1,000 residents, which is considered near the average for American cities of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This means your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Waupun is about 1 in 155.

While the overall crime rate is average, violent crime in Waupun occurs at a rate higher than in most communities across the nation. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as robbery or assault, is approximately 1 in 359, equating to a rate of 3 per 1,000 inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data). Conversely, property crime in Waupun is below the national average, with a chance of victimization at 1 in 271 (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data).

NeighborhoodScout’s analysis also indicates that Waupun’s crime rate is lower than approximately 39% of Wisconsin communities. When compared to similarly sized cities, Waupun’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average, suggesting it is safer than most comparable American cities (according to NeighborhoodScout’s exclusive analysis of FBI crime data). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with the fewest reported incidents annually. Conversely, the southern parts of Waupun tend to see more crime incidents, approximately 111 per year.

Cost of Living and Housing in Waupun

Waupun offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The city is ranked among places with the lowest cost of living in Wisconsin (according to Niche). This affordability extends to its housing market, though recent trends show significant growth.

The median listing price for homes in Waupun is approximately $240,000 (according to Realtor.com® Research). This median price has seen a year-over-year increase of 2.89% (according to Realtor.com® Research). Homes in Waupun are also less expensive than the national median of $393,134 and Wisconsin’s average of $260,575 (according to BestNeighborhood.org). The median home value in Waupun is reported as $175,277 (according to Livability.com), with a median property tax of $2,688.

Rental prices in Waupun are also more affordable compared to the national average. As of April 2026, the median rent for all property types in Waupun is $1,499 per month (according to Zumper). This is 23% lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (according to Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,249 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,499 per month (according to Zumper). Houses for rent in Waupun are more expensive, averaging $1,900 per month (according to Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

Waupun’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing playing a significant role. The largest industries employing residents include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (according to Data USA). The city’s economic development policies focus on attracting and supporting value-added agriculture, food processing, distribution, and manufacturing.

Leading manufacturers such as Mercury Marine, Federal-Mogul, and National Rivet & Manufacturing are based in the Waupun region, contributing to its strong industrial base (according to the City of Waupun economic development). The city also benefits from its central location, providing access to highways, rail, and air transportation, making it an ideal spot for transportation and distribution operations.

The average salary in Waupun, WI, is approximately $52,567 annually (according to ZipRecruiter). However, salary ranges can vary significantly based on the role and industry. For instance, popular jobs like Piggly Wiggly, Correctional Officer, and Post Office positions offer competitive salaries that can exceed the city’s average (according to ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Waupun is not directly available, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics typically provides such data for the region.

Climate and Weather

Waupun experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The summers are long, warm, and often wet, with average daily high temperatures above 70°F from May to September. July is typically the hottest month, with highs around 81°F and lows of 62°F (according to AccuWeather).

Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 37°F from December to March. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 12°F and highs of 26°F (according to AccuWeather). The annual precipitation in Waupun averages around 36 inches, with June typically being the wettest month, receiving about 3.9 inches of rain (according to AccuWeather).

Snowfall is significant during the winter months, with the snowy period lasting from November to April. December usually sees the most snow, averaging about 4.7 inches (according to AccuWeather). The climate data suggests a humid continental climate with hot summers (Dfa classification) (according to Plantmaps).

Education and Demographics

Waupun is served by the Waupun School District, which includes several public schools. Waupun Area Senior High School has a rating of 3.41 out of 5 (according to Niche). Other schools in the district include Rock River Intermediate School and Meadow View Primary School, which have received C+ ratings (according to Niche).

The city’s population is approximately 11,174 residents (according to Data USA). The demographic makeup is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for about 75.7% of the population, followed by Black or African American (10.4%) and Hispanic residents (9.3%) (according to US Census Bureau data). The median age in Waupun is 39.5 years (according to World Population Review).

In terms of household income, the median household income in Waupun was $65,625 in 2024 (according to World Population Review). However, a notable 15.7% of Waupun families live below the poverty line (according to World Population Review). A significant portion of the population, about 56.7%, has a high school education, while 18.7% have pursued college studies (according to Point2Homes).