Median Income
$35,750
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
421/100K
11% higher 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
Ownership59.4%
Zillow$172,804
Housing Units183
Rent Burden18.4%
Crime
F
Violent421/100K
Property3,282/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured14.2%
Smoking18.1%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain60.8 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation86 ft (26 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+81.4%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute30 min
Broadband67.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Wausau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wausau receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured 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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the national average.
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 5.5/10.
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. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 48.1 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (86.7%), with 6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 68.6% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $30,060 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $876, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 552 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,750 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,060 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $876 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,132 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=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 median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,804, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $806 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 183 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $2,583 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,804 |
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
| Homeownership | 59.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.6% |
| Housing Units | 183 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 14.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,179. The dentist ratio is 1:3,177. 61.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.5 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 41.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.6% |
| Uninsured | 14.2% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,179 |
| Dentists | 1:3,177 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,845 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 51.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,978/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Wausau has a violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 residents, 11% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wausau receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wausau vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 420.8/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,281.9/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wausau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 313 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 60.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 86 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
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 |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.8"
60% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.68"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
194 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
225 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
208 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
51 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
155 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
147 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
212 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
60 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
123 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
134 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
140 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
67 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
609 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 661 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
79 km |
9 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
7 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Dec 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2023 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BERTHA SWAMP RD (23,036 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
BERTHA SWAMP RD |
23,036 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
11,539 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
11,445 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
BU 83/84/85 |
10,582 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,132 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,424 |
77 km |
| 2014 |
BURN UNIT 057 |
8,381 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,237 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,120 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
8,012 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
7,968 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
7,683 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
VILAS |
7,663 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
7,660 |
87 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,619 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
ANF BU 241 242 RX 0202 |
7,573 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
FIREBREAK 56 (23) |
7,530 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
7,430 |
88 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
65°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.3 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.6 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Wausau has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 51°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 60.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.7") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Wausau. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Wausau
What is the population of Wausau?
Wausau has a population of 414 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 360 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Wausau expensive to live in?
Wausau has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $35,750, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wausau safe?
The violent crime rate in Wausau is 421 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wausau receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wausau?
Wausau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 51°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Wausau?
Wausau has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $876. There are 552 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wausau?
The median home value in Wausau is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,804. For renters, the median monthly rent is $806. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,583.
How are the schools in Wausau?
Schools in Wausau score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Wausau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.4% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wausau?
The obesity rate in Wausau is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 14.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,179.
What is transportation like in Wausau?
The average commute in Wausau is 30 minutes. 86.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wausau?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wausau is 86.7% White, 6% Black or African American. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 68.6% have health insurance coverage.
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