Waite Park sits right on the west side of St. Cloud, close to just about everything the metro offers while keeping its own small-city identity. If you are thinking about buying or moving here, this spotlight covers the basics: where it is, who lives here, schools, parks and what homes have been selling for in the area.
Where it is
Waite Park is in Stearns County and borders the west edge of St. Cloud. Its ZIP code is 56387.
A bit of history
Waite Park incorporated in 1893. It is named for Henry Chester Waite of St. Cloud.
Community
The 2020 Census counted 8,341 residents in Waite Park, up from 6,715 in 2010.
The city owns The Ledge Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue that opened in 2021 and brings concerts and community events to town.
Schools
Waite Park is in the St. Cloud Area School District. If you are shopping for a home, check the district’s attendance-area maps for the exact address, since elementary assignments can differ by neighborhood.
Parks and trails
The big one is Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, a Stearns County park on Waite Park’s south side built on old granite quarries, now ponds ringed by rock. The city also lists Community Park, Jagiello Park, Lions Park, River’s Edge Park, Rock Island Park and Willow Creek Park among its parks, plus the Lake Wobegon Trail and the Healthy Living Trail. Check the city parks page for amenities and Quarry Park’s parking-permit rules before you go.
The market in Stearns and Benton counties
In September 2026, Stearns County, which includes Waite Park, recorded 183 closed sales with a median sale price of $316,250. Neighboring Benton County recorded 38 closed sales with a median of $297,575, according to Minnesota Realtors local market updates. These are county-wide numbers, not Waite Park only. See our full September home sales report.
Tips if you are looking in Waite Park
- First-time buyer? Read our guide to Minnesota Housing’s Start Up program.
- Bought this year? Apply for homestead by Dec. 31. See our homestead deadline guide.
- Watch rates: Our latest mortgage rate update breaks down what this week’s rates mean in monthly payments.
- Comparing towns? See our spotlights on Sartell, Sauk Rapids and St. Joseph.
Sources: City of Waite Park (About, Parks and Our Community pages); Wikipedia: Waite Park, Minnesota (citing U.S. Census Bureau data); Minnesota Department of Revenue 2020 Census population list; Minnesota Realtors Local Market Updates, September 2026: Stearns County and Benton County. Checked Oct. 24, 2026.
Market figures and rates change often and are for general information only. Contact a licensed professional for advice on your situation.
Equal Housing Opportunity. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation.
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