Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Nothing Found
None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.
Wausau, Wisconsin is a mid-sized city with a population of 38,685 residents. At 82%, the majority of the Wausau population is White; this is followed by 12% Asian and 1% Black. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Wausau offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Wausau could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Wisconsin if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Wausau and in the areas around Wausau is a much easier task.
The livability score in Wausau is 89/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Wausau would be considered a very livable city! Wausau also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Wausau has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). Wausau does not fare well for the following: employment (D). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Wausau has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Wausau has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Arts Block/Grand Theatre, and Sylvan Tubing Hill.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Wausau, the unemployment rate stands at 2.68%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Wausau apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Wausau. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Wausau are affordable. The median home price for Wausau homes is $121,100, which is 27.5% lower than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wausau, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 16.1% lower than the Wisconsin average.
| Statistic | Wausau | Wisconsin | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.4% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.7% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.1% | 1.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.1% | 3.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.1% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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