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
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
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
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
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.
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
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.
Located in the state of Minnesota, Waconia is a moderately-sized city with a population of 12,281 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (97% White). Given that fact, Waconia could be considered less diverse than other cities. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Waconia, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 27 minutes.
Living in Waconia can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Minnesota, there are many desirable 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Waconia and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Waconia to Minnesota and the national average.
With a livability score of 79/100, Waconia is ranked #1,545 in the United States and #51 in Minnesota. Based on this score, Waconia would be considered a very livable city! Waconia has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Waconia ranks very well for crime (B+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Waconia. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F) and cost of living (D-).
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 1.58% 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.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Waconia excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Waconia is real estate affordability. The median home price for Waconia homes is $321,500, which is 67.9% 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 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Waconia | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 27min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.1% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.9% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.5% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.7% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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