Cost of Living in Waite Park, MN
Population 8,341 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Waite Park a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $217,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Waite Park is about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waite Park
The median home value in Waite Park is $217,000 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,072/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,884/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. Overall, Waite Park has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.
Waite Park has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waite Park, MN?
Waite Park has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waite Park, MN?
The median gross rent in Waite Park is $1,072 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waite Park?
The median home value in Waite Park is $217,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waite Park?
The median household income in Waite Park is $56,884 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waite Park, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waite Park is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Waite Park, MN affordable?
Yes, Waite Park is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.
Waite Park at a Glance
- Population
- 8,341
- Median Income
- $56,884
- Home Value
- $217,000
- Median Rent
- $1,072/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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