Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,000
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.4%
2% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$861
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Eau Claire Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population507
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density570/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$30,198
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$1,897M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,000
Rent$861
Ownership83.8%
Zillow$247,430
Housing Units231
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property167/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary167/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.7%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation711 ft (217 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.4%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+18.7%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute20 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries7
Is Eau Claire a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Eau Claire receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Eau Claire offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Eau Claire is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Eau Claire is $130,000, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $861 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Eau Claire is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 167 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Eau Claire experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Eau Claire has a population of 507 with a density of 570 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.2% female and 57.8% male. The city is predominantly White (74.6%), with 3.6% Hispanic, 6.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.1% of residents, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Eau Claire vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.1%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.9%
4% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Eau Claire vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Eau Claire is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,198 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 932 business establishments, including 64 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Eau Claire vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,198 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,974 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 932 |
| County GDP | $1,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 113 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,290 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Eau Claire is $130,000, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,430, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $861 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 231 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,290 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,000 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,430 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $861 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.2% |
| Housing Units | 231 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,290 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.84% |
In Eau Claire, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,680. The dentist ratio is 1:3,427. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Eau Claire vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,680 |
| Dentists | 1:3,427 |
| Mental Health | 1:939 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,385/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Eau Claire has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 167 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 167, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Eau Claire receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Eau Claire vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 166.9/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Burglary | 166.9/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Eau Claire experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 711 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 711 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 570/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9839°N, 86.3075°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.7"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
78 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
348 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 137 fatalities, 1,703 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
74 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
23 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
5 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
10 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1961 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
57 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
69 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Eau Claire has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 24°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Eau Claire. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $523 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $703 |
| Preschool | $703 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eau Claire
What is the population of Eau Claire?
Eau Claire has a population of 507 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 570 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 42.2% female and 57.8% male.
Is Eau Claire expensive to live in?
Eau Claire has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,000 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $861 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Eau Claire safe?
Eau Claire is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 167 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Eau Claire receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Eau Claire?
The job market in Eau Claire is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 932 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Eau Claire?
The median home value in Eau Claire is $130,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,430. For renters, the median monthly rent is $861. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,290.
How are the schools in Eau Claire?
Schools in Eau Claire score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.4% of adults in Eau Claire hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 18.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Eau Claire?
The obesity rate in Eau Claire is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,680.
What is transportation like in Eau Claire?
The average commute in Eau Claire is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Eau Claire?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Eau Claire is 74.6% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 86.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.9% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 6.5% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.