BtoBers

Waconia, Minnesota Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by · Published · Updated

Waconia is a city located in Carver County, Minnesota. It is situated on the south shore of Lake Waconia and is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The city has a population of approximately 13,000 people and covers an area of 15 square miles.

The geography of Waconia consists primarily of rolling hills and lush green fields, with many lakes and rivers throughout the region. The climate in this area is typical for Minnesota; hot summers and cold winters with plenty of snowfall during the winter months.

History plays an important role in this city’s identity as it was first settled by German immigrants in 1856. Throughout its history, Waconia has experienced both highs and lows including the Great Depression, World War II, and the urban sprawl that occurred in the 1950s and 60s.

Politically, Waconia leans more towards moderate conservative values with a strong emphasis on local government control rather than federal interference. The economy relies heavily on tourism as well as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology-based businesses such as software development companies.

Schools within Waconia are highly regarded; there are four public elementary schools, one public middle school, one public high school, two private elementary schools, two private Catholic schools (K-8), one private Christian school (K-12), two charter schools (K-8), one alternative high school program (9-12) ,and several post secondary institutions within close proximity to the city limits.

For those looking for something to do while visiting or living in Waconia there are plenty of landmarks to explore including historic churches such as St Joseph’s Catholic Church which was built around 1876; City Hall which was constructed in 1890; Lake Waconia Regional Park which offers activities such as fishing boating swimming and camping; a variety of local shops restaurants bars pubs and breweries; entertainment venues like wineries movie theaters bowling alleys mini golf courses amusement parks arcades etc.; plus many more attractions for visitors to enjoy!

Population: 6,814. Estimated population in July 2024: 8,692 (+27.6% change)
Males: 3,248 (47.7%), Females: 3,566 (52.3%)

Carver County

Zip code: 55387

Demographics

Median resident age: 33.0 years
Median household income: $55,705
Median house value: $151,500

Population by Race

Races in Waconia:

  • White Non-Hispanic (96.5%)
  • Hispanic (1.3%)
  • Other race (1.0%)
  • Two or more races (0.8%)
  • American Indian (0.5%)

Ancestries: German (55.9%), Norwegian (14.2%), Irish (8.9%), Swedish (8.7%), English (5.6%), Polish (3.9%).

Elevation: 991 feet

Land area: 2.8 square miles

Population by Education

Waconia, Minnesota is a small city of 11,000 people located in Carver County. The population is primarily white (90%), with minorities comprising the remaining 10%. There is a small Hispanic community (2%) and a larger Asian community (6%). The median household income for Waconia is $88,000, which is higher than the national average. The median age of Waconia’s population is 36 years old. The largest age group consists of those aged 25 to 44 years old, making up 37% of the population. Those aged 45 to 64 make up 28%, while those 65 and older make up 13%.

The gender makeup of Waconia is 48% male and 52% female. Most people in Waconia are married couples with children; the family-oriented atmosphere makes it an ideal place to raise children. Education levels are high in Waconia – 88% of adults over 25 hold at least a high school diploma, and 35% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Nearly three quarters of households own their homes in Waconia, with an average home value of $270,000.

Waconia also has a vibrant business community with several major employers such as 3M Corporation, Cargill Incorporated, and Minnesota Rubber & Plastics Corporation all having large offices here. There are also many smaller businesses that contribute to the local economy including restaurants, retail stores and professional services firms. Additionally there are many recreational activities available including golf courses and lakeside beaches for swimming or fishing in summer months.

For population 25 years and over in Waconia

  • High school or higher: 87.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 29.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.3%
  • Unemployed: 1.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 27.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Waconia city

  • Never married: 20.0%
  • Now married: 66.0%
  • Separated: 0.6%
  • Widowed: 6.5%
  • Divorced: 7.0%

1.5% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +3,241 (+90.7%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Waconia:

  • RIDGEVIEW MEDICAL CENTER (500 S MAPLE ST)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Waconia:

  • ST FRANCIS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 20 miles; SHAKOPEE, MN)
  • BUFFALO HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; BUFFALO, MN)
  • QUEEN OF PEACE HOSPITAL (about 26 miles; NEW PRAGUE, MN)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Waconia:

  • MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL INTL/WOLD-CHAMBERLAIN/ (about 40 miles; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Abbreviation: MSP)
  • ST CLOUD REGIONAL (about 51 miles; ST CLOUD, MN; Abbreviation: STC)
  • BRAINERD LAKES RGNL (about 109 miles; BRAINERD, MN; Abbreviation: BRD)

Other public-use airports nearest to Waconia:

  • A.R.S. SPORT STRIP (about 14 miles; BELLE PLAINE, MN; Abbreviation: 7Y7)
  • WINSTED MUNI (about 20 miles; WINSTED, MN; Abbreviation: 10D)
  • GLENCOE MUNI (about 20 miles; GLENCOE, MN; Abbreviation: GYL)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Waconia:

  • NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 34 miles; BLOOMINGTON, MN; Full-time enrollment: 4,636)
  • HENNEPIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 35 miles; BROOKLYN PARK, MN; Full-time enrollment: 3,138)
  • NORTH HENNEPIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 35 miles; BROOKLYN PARK, MN; Full-time enrollment: 3,097)
  • MINNEAPOLIS COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 37 miles; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Full-time enrollment: 3,857)
  • GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE (about 38 miles; ST PETER, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,355)
  • AUGSBURG COLLEGE (about 40 miles; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,662)
  • ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 40 miles; COON RAPIDS, MN; Full-time enrollment: 3,627)

Schools

Public high school in Waconia:

  • WACONIA SR. (Students: 734; Location: 1400 COMMUNITY DR.; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Waconia:

  • CLEARWATER MID. (Students: 738; Location: 1650 COMMUNITY DR.; Grades: 05 – 08)
  • SOUTHVIEW EL. (Students: 552; Location: 225 W. 4TH ST.; Grades: PK – 04)
  • BAYVIEW EL. (Students: 395; Location: 24 S. WALNUT ST.; Grades: PK – 04)

Private primary/middle schools in Waconia:

  • TRINITY LUTHERAN (Students: 307; Location: 601 E 2ND ST; Grades: PK – 8)
  • ST JOSEPHS SCHOOL (Students: 186; Location: 41 EAST FIRST ST; Grades: KG – 8)

Related Posts: