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 medium-sized city with a population of 39,898 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Wausau is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Wausau. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Wausau, Wisconsin. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Wausau, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, health & safety, education, housing and more.
The livability score in Wausau is 90 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. This is a great score, as Wausau ranks well in multiple categories! Wausau also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we see that Wausau ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+).
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.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Wausau can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Wausau meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Wausau. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Wausau are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Wausau come in at $222,804, which is 26% lower than the Wisconsin average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wausau, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 16.2% lower than the Wisconsin average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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