Waseca
Minnesota

What stands out

What stands out about Waseca County: life expectancy is in the top 12% of American counties (79.5 years), homeownership is in the top 12% of American counties (81%), and violent crime is in the bottom 14% of American counties (3.1 per 1,000). Within Minnesota it ranks 39th of 87 counties for life expectancy.

Where you are

You live in Waseca County, Minnesota. 18,953 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +41).

Minnesota has a graduated income tax that reaches 9.85%, taxes Social Security above income thresholds, and has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption. In exchange it ranks near the top in health outcomes, school results and household income, and the Twin Cities metro holds more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than any other. Winters are long and cold.

Money

The typical household here brings in $71,856 a year, higher than 78% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,072. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 53% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Minnesota takes 6.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,403 a year.

Home

The median home costs $259K, pricier than 59% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $823 a month. Property tax is 1.23% of home value, roughly $2,350 a year on that median home, higher than 74% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 86% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 9 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.5 years, longer than 88% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 2.1 per 10,000 people. 6.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.18 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 75% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 15 points. 75% of eligible voters turned out. Under Minnesota law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 47°F, highs near 57 and lows near 36, colder than 86% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 34 out of 100, safer than 66% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 154 Mbps down, slower than 69% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.