Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Waite Park, MN Population, Income & Demographics 2026

CSAMinneapolis-St. Paul MSASt. Cloud#4/33 Population

Showing latest census year. Full demographic history available with a paid plan. View plans →

Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

8,399

Median Agei

38.1

Race & Ethnicityi

White

51.7%4,340

Black

35.5%2,983

Hispanic/Latino

9.1%766

Two or More

1.8%151

Asian

1.6%131

Other

0.2%17

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1%11

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

1.1%61

High School Diploma

28.9%1,575

Some College (<1 yr)

6.2%340

Some College (1+ yr)

18.7%1,016

Associate's Degree

7.4%401

Bachelor's Degree

14.2%776

Master's Degree

3.9%215

Professional Degree

0.9%50

Doctorate

1%55

HS or Higher

82.4%

BA or Higher

20.1%

Graduate+

5.9%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$219,400

Median Renti

$1,117

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

51.3%1,826

Renter-Occupied

48.7%1,733

Total Units

3,688

Homeownership

51.3%

Vacancy Rate

3.5%

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$59,285

Mean Household Incomei

$70,836

Per Capita Incomei

$29,293

Poverty Ratei

21.2%

Unemploymenti

7.5%

Labor Forcei

4,246

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

109

Residentsi

109

Avg. Tenant Renti

$522/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

5 months

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers109 homes82% occupied$522/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $59,285/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $18K/yr

64%

Very low income$18K–$30K/yr

35%

Low income$30K–$47K/yr

Who Receives This Housing

82% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

50% of subsidized households are minority

49% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

55% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Social Characteristicsi

Veteransi

334(5.4% of civilian adults)