Eau Claire, WI
Population 69,274 · Wisconsin
About Eau Claire, WI
Eau Claire is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 69,274 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,369 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Eau Claire features a median home value of $228,000, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Eau Claire in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $971, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 30,610 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (16,193 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (13,014 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Eau Claire shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Eau Claire have an average one-way commute time of 16.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.0% of Eau Claire residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Eau Claire Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Eau Claire, WI
Compared to national averages, Eau Claire has a median household income of $65,369 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $228,000, which is 7% below the national median. Monthly rent at $971 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Eau Claire's income is 10% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 11% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Eau Claire, WI?
Eau Claire offers affordable housing with a median home value of $228,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $971/month, and a well-educated community where 35.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,369) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Eau Claire provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Eau Claire has a population of 69,274 with a median age of 33 years. Compare Eau Claire with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Eau Claire
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oshkosh | 66,247 | $61,929 | $168,400 | Compare |
| Janesville | 65,813 | $71,664 | $209,700 | Compare |
| Appleton | 74,873 | $77,450 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Racine | 77,155 | $55,705 | $158,100 | Compare |
| West Allis | 59,588 | $69,685 | $191,700 | Compare |
| La Crosse | 51,791 | $53,803 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Sheboygan | 49,812 | $62,953 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Wauwatosa | 47,718 | $93,859 | $307,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Eau Claire With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Eau Claire
What is the population of Eau Claire, WI?
The population of Eau Claire, WI is 69,274 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Eau Claire?
The median household income in Eau Claire, WI is $65,369 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Eau Claire?
The median home value in Eau Claire, WI is $228,000, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Eau Claire?
The median monthly rent in Eau Claire, WI is $971, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Eau Claire?
The unemployment rate in Eau Claire, WI is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Eau Claire, WI a good place to live?
Eau Claire offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 69,274 and a median age of 33, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Eau Claire, WI?
35.0% of residents in Eau Claire aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Eau Claire?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Eau Claire, WI: median home value is $228,000 (7% below national), median rent is $971/month, and median household income is $65,369. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Eau Claire?
The poverty rate in Eau Claire, WI is 14.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Eau Claire, WI?
Eau Claire's population is 1.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.