Median Income
$35,750
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$806
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.6%
171% higher than US avg
How Wausau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population414
Median Age48.1 yrs
Density360/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$35,750
Per Capita$30,060
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty33.6%
County GDP$943M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$806
OwnershipN/A
Rent Burden18.4%
Health
Obesity37.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain60.8 in/yr
Elevation86 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+81.4%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute30 min
Broadband67.0%
Libraries4
Is Wausau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wausau receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Wausau has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wausau is $35,750, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 33.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wausau is $100,000, 65% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wausau enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 60.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Wausau has a population of 414 with a density of 360 people per square mile. The median age is 48.1 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (86.7%), with 6% Black.
Population
48.1yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 95.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Spanish | 4.6% |
| 66% below US avg |
The median household income in Wausau is $35,750, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,750 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,060 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $876 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,132 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.6% |
| 171% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 552 |
| County GDP | $943M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,583 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Wausau is $100,000, 65% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $806 (31% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $806 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,583 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Wausau, 37.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.7% report depression. 27.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Wausau vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,978/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Crime Rates: Wausau vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
Safety Score
Wausau has an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 60.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
51°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 67.7°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 60.8 inches |
| 60% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 86 ft (26 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 360/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.6334°N, 85.5873°W |
| County FIPS | 12133 |