Wausau, WI
Population 39,893 · Wisconsin
About Wausau, WI
Wausau is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 39,893 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,877 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wausau features a median home value of $155,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wausau in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $950, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,774 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (10,030 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (7,381 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wausau shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wausau have an average one-way commute time of 15.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.0% of Wausau 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 3.8% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Wausau With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wausau
What is the population of Wausau, WI?
The population of Wausau, WI is 39,893 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 Wausau?
The median household income in Wausau, WI is $61,877 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wausau?
The median home value in Wausau, WI is $155,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wausau?
The median monthly rent in Wausau, WI is $950, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wausau?
The unemployment rate in Wausau, WI is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live?
Wausau offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 39,893 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wausau, WI?
30.0% of residents in Wausau aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wausau?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wausau, WI: median home value is $155,900 (36% below national), median rent is $950/month, and median household income is $61,877. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wausau?
The poverty rate in Wausau, WI is 14.4%, 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 Wausau, WI?
Wausau's population is 3.8% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.