Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Population 18,756 · Wisconsin
About Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Wisconsin Rapids is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 18,756 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,116 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wisconsin Rapids features a median home value of $116,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wisconsin Rapids one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $872, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,240 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (4,721 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (3,649 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wisconsin Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wisconsin Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.9% of Wisconsin Rapids residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wisconsin Rapids Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Compared to national averages, Wisconsin Rapids has a median household income of $54,116 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,600, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $872 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Wisconsin Rapids's income is 25% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 43% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Wisconsin Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $872/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,116) that falls below the national average. However, Wisconsin Rapids’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wisconsin Rapids has a population of 18,756 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Wisconsin Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Wisconsin Rapids
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | 18,718 | $59,294 | $169,900 | Compare |
| Onalaska | 18,909 | $84,898 | $279,100 | Compare |
| Fox Crossing | 18,960 | $74,423 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Oconomowoc | 18,385 | $105,833 | $367,700 | Compare |
| Menasha | 18,130 | $64,392 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Cudahy | 17,964 | $66,717 | $201,000 | Compare |
| Howard | 20,261 | $84,896 | $286,200 | Compare |
| Kaukauna | 17,237 | $78,353 | $198,800 | 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 Wisconsin Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wisconsin Rapids
What is the population of Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
The population of Wisconsin Rapids, WI is 18,756 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 Wisconsin Rapids?
The median household income in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is $54,116 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wisconsin Rapids?
The median home value in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is $116,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wisconsin Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is $872, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wisconsin Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wisconsin Rapids, WI a good place to live?
Wisconsin Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,756 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
16.9% of residents in Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wisconsin Rapids, WI: median home value is $116,600 (52% below national), median rent is $872/month, and median household income is $54,116. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wisconsin Rapids?
The poverty rate in Wisconsin Rapids, 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Wisconsin Rapids's population is 2.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.