Wausau, WI
Population 39,893 · Wisconsin
About Wausau, WI
Wausau is a mid-sized city in Wisconsin with a population of 39,893 residents. The median household income is $61,877 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Wausau is 38.4 years.
Housing in Wausau has a median home value of $155,900 and median monthly rent of $950. Of the 18,774 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 10,030 owner-occupied and 7,381 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Wausau is 4.7% and the poverty rate is 14.4%. 30.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.5 minutes.
How Wausau Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Wausau, WI
Compared to national averages, Wausau has a median household income of $61,877 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,900, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $950 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Wausau's income is 15% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 24% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Wausau, WI?
Wausau offers affordable housing with a median home value of $155,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $950/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,877) that falls below the national average. However, Wausau’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wausau has a population of 39,893 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Wausau with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Wausau
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Berlin | 40,384 | $97,414 | $343,500 | Compare |
| Menomonee Falls | 38,963 | $98,460 | $341,600 | Compare |
| Brookfield | 41,592 | $124,026 | $419,300 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 37,361 | $69,016 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Beloit | 36,554 | $59,975 | $133,500 | Compare |
| Oak Creek | 36,473 | $93,120 | $305,100 | Compare |
| Sun Prairie | 36,455 | $90,521 | $339,800 | Compare |
| Franklin | 35,751 | $108,342 | $343,400 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wausau
What is the population of Wausau, WI?
The population of Wausau, WI is 39,893 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Wausau?
The median household income in Wausau, WI is $61,877 per year.
What is the median home value in Wausau?
The median home value in Wausau, WI is $155,900.
What is the average rent in Wausau?
The median monthly rent in Wausau, WI is $950.
What is the unemployment rate in Wausau?
The unemployment rate in Wausau, WI is 4.7%.