Wausau, WI, US
Central Wisconsin city with Granite Peak ski area and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.
Overview
Wausau is a city in WI with a population of 39,000. Central Wisconsin city with Granite Peak ski area and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Wausau vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.3%
- Sales Tax: 5.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Population: 39,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 190/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 10°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: $220,000
- 1BR Rent: $950/mo
Cost of Living
Wausau's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100).
| Category | Wausau | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
| Housing | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $220,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $950/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $146 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Wausau:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $114 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $96 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $325 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Wausau scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Wausau has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F | 10°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 25°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 28°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Wausau faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms and blizzards.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Tornado risk.
River and lake flooding.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.27%
- Sales Tax: 5%
- Property Tax: ~1.85% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
State mandates 180 school days.
Demographics
The population of Wausau is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wausau, WI, US?
The cost of living index in Wausau is 90, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Wausau?
The median home price in Wausau is $220,000. The housing index is 92.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wausau is approximately $950/mo.
Does Wausau, WI have income tax?
Wausau is in WI, which has an income tax rate of 6.27%.
What is the climate like in Wausau?
Wausau enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 10°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.