Is Rothschild Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rothschild
Rothschild, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to larger city amenities. This village is situated within Marathon County and is part of the Wausau Metropolitan Statistical Area, providing residents with a balance of community living and broader regional opportunities. The area is known for its accessible housing market and a generally lower cost of living compared to national averages, making it an attractive option for various demographics.
The community has a population of approximately 5,600 residents, with a strong sense of local identity. Its proximity to Wausau ensures that residents have access to a wider range of employment, shopping, and cultural activities, without sacrificing the tranquility of a smaller town. Rothschild’s infrastructure and services are geared towards supporting a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for its inhabitants.
Is it Safe to Live in Rothschild?
Rothschild is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is 13.24 per 1,000 residents (according to typical annual data), which is 83% below the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and FBI Crime Data Explorer). This safety is reflected in its high ranking for crime prevention, with the village ranking in the 87th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 87% of cities in the US (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Rothschild varies by neighborhood, with some areas offering even greater security. For instance, residents generally consider the east part of the city to be the safest, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 61 in the northwest to 1 in 93 in the east (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Robbery rates are also exceptionally low, with 0.2100 per 1,000 residents annually, placing it in the 88th percentile for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing and Cost of Living
The housing market in Rothschild presents an appealing opportunity for potential homeowners and renters alike. The median home value in Rothschild was approximately $203,600 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with the homeownership rate standing at a robust 74.7% (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong preference for homeownership within the community.
For renters, the cost of living in Rothschild is also favorable. The median rent is around $827 per month (as reported by Kurby AI), and more recently, as of May 2026, the average rent was $1,374 per month, which is 16% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to overall living expenses, which are about 2% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Median Home Prices
The median home price in Rothschild has seen some fluctuation, with Redfin reporting the average home price at $319K in March 2026, an increase of 60.3% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Zillow, however, reported the average home value as $253,442 as of March 31, 2026, showing an 8.7% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). These figures suggest a competitive housing market with appreciating property values.
Rental Costs
Rental costs in Rothschild offer a more budget-friendly alternative to homeownership, with various options available. As of May 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,374 per month, while a studio apartment averages around $667 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For those seeking more space, a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,138 per month, and a three-bedroom can be rented for $1,565 or more (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Rothschild’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade being the most prominent sectors. The total employed population is approximately 2,975 individuals (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries by employment are Manufacturing, employing 631 people, followed by Health Care & Social Assistance with 479 employees, and Retail Trade with 412 employees (as reported by Data USA).
The average salary in Rothschild is around $45,770 per year, or $22.00 per hour, as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average yearly salary of $51,847 (as reported by ReadySetHire) or $51,847 (as reported by ReadySetHire), with a median household income of $88,261 (as reported by Data USA and Cubit Planning). This indicates a healthy earning potential for residents across various professions.
Major Employers
Several key employers contribute significantly to Rothschild’s economy and provide substantial employment opportunities. Domtar Paper Mill is a major employer, supporting about 325 local jobs and contributing significantly to the regional economy (as reported by Domtar). Wausau Homes Inc. and Wausau Tile also have their headquarters in Rothschild, adding to the local job market (as reported by Wikipedia). Other notable employers in the vicinity include Sentry Food Stores, Rockwell Automation, Kohl’s Food & Fuel, and 3M, offering diverse roles in retail, manufacturing, and technology (as reported by Indeed and ReadySetHire).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Rothschild is relatively low, reflecting a stable job market. The unemployment rate is reported at 3.4%, calculated among residents aged 16 or older who are in the labor force (as reported by Biggest US Cities). This figure is competitive and suggests good employment prospects for those seeking work in the area.
Climate and Weather
Rothschild experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature hovers around 12°C (as reported by Weather and Climate). Summer temperatures typically range from highs in the low 80s°F in July to lows in the low 60s°F, while winter temperatures can drop to an average low of 9°F and a high of 24°F in January (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with June being the wettest month, averaging 3.9 inches of rain (as reported by Weather and Climate). The drier period occurs from October to April, with January receiving the least amount of rain, averaging 0.2 inches (as reported by Weather and Climate). The area also experiences significant snowfall during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of 59 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Rothschild is served by the D.C. Everest Area School District, which includes three elementary schools: Evergreen Elementary, Rothschild Elementary, and D.C. Everest 4K Community Partnership. Evergreen Elementary is noted as a top performer, consistently ranking in the top half of Wisconsin elementary schools with a 3-star rating and demonstrating strong academic performance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Rothschild Elementary has shown improvement, moving from a 1-star to a 3-star rating, though it generally lags behind Evergreen Elementary in academic performance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Overall, the graduation rate in Rothschild is 92%, which is 4% higher than the state average (as reported by AreaVibes), indicating a strong commitment to educational attainment within the community.
Demographics
Rothschild has a population of approximately 5,600 people (as of 2020) (as reported by Wikipedia), with projections indicating a slight increase. The village is predominantly White, accounting for about 87.9% of the population, followed by Asian (4.6%) and Black or African American (3.3%) residents (as reported by Cubit Planning and Data USA). The median age in Rothschild is 38.6 years (as reported by Cubit Planning).
The community is largely comprised of U.S. citizens, with 99.6% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is small, representing about 3.46% of residents (as reported by Data USA), which is comparable to the national average. The demographic profile suggests a stable and established community with a clear ethnic majority.
Pros and Cons of Living in Rothschild
Rothschild offers several advantages for its residents, including a high level of safety with crime rates well below the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of living is also favorable, being 2% lower than the U.S. national average, with particularly affordable housing options and rental rates (as reported by Salary.com and Apartments.com).
The job market is robust, supported by major employers like Domtar and Wausau Tile, and offers competitive salaries with a low unemployment rate (as reported by Domtar and Biggest US Cities). Furthermore, the community benefits from a good school system, with Evergreen Elementary receiving strong ratings (as reported by SchoolDigger.com), and a pleasant climate with distinct seasons, though winters can be cold and snowy (as reported by Weather and Climate).
On the downside, the village experiences cold winters with significant snowfall, which may not appeal to everyone (as reported by Livability.com). While the cost of living is generally low, some recent data indicates a competitive and appreciating housing market, which could present challenges for first-time buyers (as reported by Redfin). Additionally, public transit options are limited, making car ownership a near necessity for most residents (as reported by AreaVibes).