Is Wausau Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wausau

Is it Safe to Live in Wausau?

Wausau, Wisconsin, presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Wausau is approximately 24.28 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood. In the central neighborhoods, the risk is about 1 in 18, while in the northeast, it significantly decreases to about 1 in 71 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Wausau’s crime rate is considered to be about the same as the average U.S. city, earning it a C+ safety grade. The city is safer than 49% of cities in the United States, but less safe than 51% (as reported by AreaVibes). When focusing on total crime counts rather than per capita rates, central Wausau experiences the most incidents, around 315 annually. Conversely, the northwest part of the city has the fewest, with approximately 77 crimes each year (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Wausau is $375 annually, which is less than both the national average and Wisconsin’s state average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs in Wausau

The housing market in Wausau offers more affordable options compared to the national average. The median home value in Wausau is approximately $240,743 as of March 2026, showing an increase of 8.6% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price for a home in Wausau is around $280,000, with sale prices up 19.20% year-over-year (as reported by Realtor.com®). This indicates a robust seller’s market, with more buyers than available homes (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Rental costs in Wausau are also considerably lower than the national average. The average rent in Wausau is about $1,041 per month, which is 37% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Specific rental prices vary by apartment size, with studios averaging around $1,150 per month, one-bedroom apartments at $1,041, and two-bedroom apartments at approximately $1,277 (as reported by Apartments.com). For those seeking larger accommodations, three-bedroom rentals could cost $2,003 or more per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Home Prices

Home prices in Wausau have seen a significant increase recently. For instance, the median sale price of a home was $225,000 in March 2026, a substantial 33.9% increase year-over-year (as reported by Realtor.com®). This upward trend is also reflected in the average home value, which reached $238,000 in August 2025, showing a 6.5% growth from the previous year (as reported by RocketHomes). The price per square foot has also risen, indicating growing property values (as reported by RocketHomes).

The median listing price in Wausau was $330,000 as of June 2025, a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by RocketHomes). Homes in Wausau are selling faster than before, with an average of 30 days on the market as of 2025, down from 34 days in the prior year (as reported by RocketHomes). This competitive market environment suggests a strong demand for housing in the area.

Rental Averages

The rental market in Wausau offers a range of prices depending on the number of bedrooms. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,041 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment typically costs about $1,277 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Studio apartments are slightly more expensive, averaging $1,150 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For larger families or those needing more space, three-bedroom apartments can exceed $2,003 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

The overall median rent in Wausau was $845 last month, showing a slight increase of $11 month-over-month (as reported by Redfin). This figure is considerably lower than the national average rent of $1,641 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent prices have seen a slight decrease of 4% in the last month but have remained stable over the past year (as reported by Zumper).

Cost of Living in Wausau

Wausau’s cost of living is generally lower than both the state and national averages. The overall cost of living in Wausau, WI, is approximately 6% lower than the national average (as reported by RentCafe and Apartments.com). This affordability extends to housing, which is about 19% cheaper than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe and Payscale).

While housing is less expensive, utility prices in Wausau are about 4% higher than the national average (as reported by RentCafe and Payscale). Groceries are slightly cheaper, around 1% less than the national average (as reported by RentCafe and Apartments.com). Transportation costs, such as bus fares and gas prices, are also lower by about 3% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Daily Expenses

For a single adult with no dependents, a comfortable salary in Wausau is estimated to be around $66,000 before taxes (as reported by Apartments.com). This salary would cover estimated annual expenses of approximately $19,716 for housing, $8,268 for groceries, and $11,844 for goods and services (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures can vary based on family size and individual spending habits.

Basic necessities like milk are priced around $4.18 per gallon, a dozen eggs cost approximately $4.10, and a pound of potatoes is about $4.28 (as reported by RentCafe). Entertainment costs, such as a movie ticket, are around $12.47 per month, and a haircut averages $26.27 (as reported by RentCafe).

Salary Expectations

The average annual salary in Wausau is approximately $62,291 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $29.95 per hour, or $5,190 per month. Most salaries in Wausau range between $38,766 (25th percentile) and $84,430 (75th percentile) annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Higher-paying occupations in Wausau include roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Cfo, and Primary Care Physician (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some popular jobs that pay above the city average include Nanny, Phlebotomist, and Software Developer, which can earn between 21.9% and 30.0% more than the city average (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Job Market in Wausau

Wausau boasts a diverse and robust economy with a median household income of $59,259 in 2022 (as reported by the City of Wausau). The primary employment sectors include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing employs approximately 17,701 people, health care and social assistance employs 14,579, and retail trade employs 9,654 (as reported by the City of Wausau).

The Greater Wausau Region has a strong history in manufacturing, with community-centered employers committed to sustainability and safety. The healthcare sector is also a significant contributor, offering numerous job opportunities within its hospitals and clinics. Agriculture and food processing are other key strengths, with Marathon County being a world leader in ginseng production (as reported by Greater Wausau). Emerging technologies are also driving demand for IT professionals.

Major Employers

Several major employers contribute to the Wausau economy. Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Inc. is a prominent healthcare provider in the region. Greenheck Fan Corp. and Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. are significant players in the manufacturing sector. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and United Healthcare Services, Inc. also represent key employment opportunities (as reported by Marathon County Profile).

Other notable employers include Marathon Cheese Corporation, Apogee Wausau Group, Inc., and Wal-Mart (as reported by Marathon County Profile). The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce highlights the region’s manufacturing excellence, exceptional healthcare campuses, and growing agricultural and food processing industries as key economic drivers.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Wausau, WI, is currently at 3.10% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 5.35% for the area (as reported by YCharts). While this indicates a healthy job market, it is slightly higher than the previous month’s rate of 2.70% and the rate from the previous year, which was also 2.70% (as reported by YCharts).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on unemployment rates, which are essential for understanding the local job market dynamics. The unemployment rate in the Wausau, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area was 2.8% in October 2025, with slight variations month-to-month (as reported by FRED). This figure is generally considered low, suggesting that most individuals seeking employment are able to find it.

Climate in Wausau

Wausau experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 5°F to 80°F, with annual precipitation averaging 34 inches and snowfall around 62 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity levels are generally comfortable during the summer months.

The average temperature in Wausau varies significantly between seasons. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 80°F and a low of 58°F. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 23°F and a low of 6°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences approximately 140 days per year with comfortable weather, typically from mid-May to mid-September.

Temperatures

The warm season in Wausau lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 69°F. July, the hottest month, sees average highs of 80°F and lows of 60°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 35°F. January experiences the coldest temperatures, with average highs of 24°F and lows of 9°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Extreme temperatures are less common, with temperatures rarely dropping below -12°F or rising above 89°F (as reported by Weather Spark). This temperature range indicates a climate that experiences significant seasonal shifts but remains within generally tolerable extremes for most of the year.

Rainfall and Snowfall

Wausau receives an average of 34 inches of precipitation annually, which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, hail, and freezing rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 5 inches of precipitation. The drier period occurs from mid-December to early March, with January receiving the least amount of rain, averaging just 0.2 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).

Snowfall is a significant aspect of Wausau’s winter climate, with an average of 62 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences a substantial amount of snow accumulation during the colder months. The chance of a wet day, defined as receiving at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, is higher from April to October, with June having the most wet days (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education in Wausau

Wausau offers a solid educational landscape, with public schools generally performing well within the state. The Wausau School District ranks within the top 50% of all school districts in Wisconsin, based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data (as reported by Wausau School District). The district has a graduation rate of 92%, which has seen an increase over the past five school years (as reported by Wausau School District).

The average math proficiency score in Wausau public schools is 43%, compared to the Wisconsin average of 40%. Reading proficiency scores average 38%, matching the statewide average (as reported by Niche). The schools in Wausau have an average ranking of 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Wisconsin public schools (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

Top-ranked public elementary schools in Wausau include Rib Mountain Elementary School, South Mountain Elementary School, and Hewitt-Texas Elementary School (as reported by Niche). These schools are recognized for their academic performance and are highly regarded within the district. The Wausau School District itself is ranked among the top 20% in Wisconsin for its graduation rate and diversity (as reported by Wausau School District).

The Wausau School District is rated an A-minus overall by Niche, placing it among the best school districts in the state and county. It is particularly noted for its diversity, ranking 22nd out of 377 districts in Wisconsin for this metric (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 7,783 students across 20 public schools (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Wausau is home to a diverse population. As of 2024, the city has a population of approximately 138,000 people, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents being the largest group (as reported by Data USA). Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents and those of Two Races Excluding Other, and Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) are the second and third most common ethnic groups, respectively (as reported by Data USA).

In terms of citizenship, 98.1% of Wausau residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The population of Wausau is around 40,214 as of 2026, with a median age of 39.7 years (as reported by Marathon County Pulse). The racial composition includes approximately 79.44% White, 10.42% Asian, and smaller percentages of other racial groups (as reported by Wausau, WI Population 2026).

Pros and Cons of Living in Wausau

Wausau offers a compelling combination of affordability and a strong community feel, making it an attractive place to live. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, particularly in housing, which can be a major draw for individuals and families looking to maximize their budget. The job market is stable, supported by diverse industries like manufacturing and healthcare, and the unemployment rate remains relatively low.

However, Wausau’s climate presents a challenge for those who dislike cold, snowy winters. The average January high temperature is only 23°F, and the city receives about 62 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). While crime rates are lower than the national average, they are higher than the Wisconsin state average in some aspects, and certain neighborhoods experience more crime than others (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout).

The Pros

One of the most significant advantages of living in Wausau is its affordability. The cost of living is 6% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly favorable, about 19% less expensive than the national average (as reported by RentCafe). This financial advantage allows residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs often associated with larger metropolitan areas.

The job market in Wausau is robust, with major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade providing stable employment opportunities. The unemployment rate is low, indicating a healthy economy (as reported by YCharts). Furthermore, the city offers a good quality of life with a strong sense of community and access to various amenities and outdoor recreational activities.

The Cons

The harsh winter climate is a notable drawback for Wausau. Residents can expect cold temperatures, significant snowfall, and a shorter comfortable weather season (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This can limit outdoor activities for a substantial portion of the year and requires preparation for winter conditions.

While generally safe, Wausau’s crime rate is higher than the Wisconsin state average and some areas within the city experience higher crime rates than others (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). Additionally, the average salary in Wausau, while decent, is lower than the national average, which could be a concern for those accustomed to higher earning potential (as reported by ZipRecruiter).