Waunakee is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 12,000 at the 2020 census.
Waunakee is located at 43°11'44"N 89°20'37"W (43.195, -89.343611). It is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Waunakee was founded in 1876 and named after Wauna Lake. A post office was established in 1877, and the village was incorporated in 1892.
As of the census of 2020, there were 12,000 people residing in the village. The population density was 2,323.8 inhabitants per square mile (897.5/km2). There were 4,794 housing units at an average density of 948.8 per square mile (366.4/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 91.1% White, 1.6% Asian, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.
The median age in the village was 37.4 years. The gender makeup of the village was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median income for a household in the village was $81,957, and the median income for a family was $104,485. Males had a median income of $62,375 versus $40,556 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,477. About 2.8% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.
Waunakee has a strong sense of community and culture. The village hosts several events throughout the year, including a summer festival, Christmas parade, and farmers' market. The Waunakee Community Band performs concerts throughout the summer at the Village Park. The Waunakee High School music department hosts a musical every spring.
The Waunakee School District consists of six schools: Waunakee High School, Waunakee Middle School, Prairie Elementary School, Sauk Prairie Elementary School, Westside Elementary School, and Waunakee Intermediate School.
The village has several parks and nature reserves, including the Waunakee Village Park, which features a disc golf course, playground, and baseball diamonds. The Ice Age Trail passes through the village, and several other parks and natural areas are nearby.
Waunakee has a variety of local attractions, including the Waunakee Historical Society and Museum, which features exhibits on the village's history, as well as a historic schoolhouse and caboose. The village also has several art galleries and boutiques.
The village has several restaurants that serve a range of cuisines, including American, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. It is also home to the Waunakee Brewing Company, which was established in 2013 and produces a variety of beers.
Waunakee has a mix of new and old, from traditional German restaurants to new craft breweries. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy neighborhood hangouts, ethnic flavors, and farm-to-table establishments.
Waunakee has a temperate climate and experiences four distinct seasons. The summers are warm and humid, while the winters are cold and snowy. The village receives an average of 34 inches of rain and 43 inches of snowfall per year.
Waunakee has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s when it was a farming community. The village was officially founded in 1876 when the railroad was extended to the area. The village has a strong sense of community and culture, with several events throughout the year. The village has a strong sense of community and culture, with several events throughout the year.
Overall, Waunakee, Wisconsin, is a charming village with a strong sense of history and culture. It hosts several events throughout the year and has a variety of local attractions, restaurants, and breweries. The village has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and receives an average of 34 inches of rain and 43 inches of snowfall per year.