Waconia 81 Exceptional
Waconia Livability #61 ranked city in Minnesota#1,424 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Waconia

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

What's it like Living in Waconia?

Waconia is a mid-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 12,623 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Waconia is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Waconia your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 27 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Waconia can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Minnesota, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like crime, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Waconia and in the areas around Waconia is a much easier task.

The livability score in Waconia is 80/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Waconia could be a great choice! Waconia also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Waconia ranks well for crime (B+), education (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Waconia does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Waconia, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.7% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Waconia apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Waconia is actually affordable. The median home price for Waconia homes is $585,893, which is 72.8% higher than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waconia, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 2.7% higher than the Minnesota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waconia

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      Waconia transportation information

      Statistic Waconia Minnesota National
      Average one way commute27min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.1%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.9%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.5%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.5%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home9.7%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Waconia, MN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.