Wausau, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
39,996
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,389/yr
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,718
-0.3% year-over-year change

Wausau population

How many people live in Wausau

Wausau is home to 39,996 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Wausau locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
39,996
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
19,427
Female
51.4%
20,569
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,427 48.6% 0.1%
Female 20,569 51.4% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Wausau is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.5% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
29.5%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,309 18.3% -1.7%
15 to 24 4,652 11.6% -2.3%
25 to 44 11,810 29.5% 2.1%
45 to 64 8,484 21.2% -2.3%
Over 65 7,741 19.4% 3.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Wausau, 91.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 10.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.6%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,636 91.6% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,824 4.6% 4.7%
Non-citizens 1,536 3.8% 11.8%
Racial breakdown
White
79.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
10.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 31,773 79.4%
Black or African American 179 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 89 0.2%
Asian 4,169 10.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0%
Two or more races 2,458 6.2%
Other 1,307 3.3%

Households in Wausau

A peek inside Wausau households

Wausau has 17,625 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.5% are families, while the remaining 47.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
17,625
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
8,366
Family households
9,259
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,366 47.5% 3.1%
Family households 9,259 52.5% -0.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Wausau

The housing landscape of Wausau

Wausau's housing consists of 18,718 units, with 63.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,718
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,835 63.2%
1 unit, attached 422 2.2%
2 units 1,501 8%
3 or 4 units 499 2.7%
5 to 9 units 1,420 7.6%
10 to 19 units 1,100 5.9%
20 to 49 units 446 2.4%
50 or more units 1,414 7.6%
Mobile home 65 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 16 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
177
12.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wausau

In Wausau, the median construction year is 1963. About 24% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,494 24% -2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,441 7.7% -3.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,898 15.5% -3.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,883 10.1% 1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,251 12% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,511 8.1% 2.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,183 6.3% -2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,081 11.1% 17.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 799 4.3% -15.6%
Built in 2020 or later 177 1% 12.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Wausau occupancy rates

Out of the 17,625 occupied housing units in Wausau, 57.6% are owner-occupied, while 42.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
17,625
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,470
Owner occupied
10,155
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,470 42.4% 1.2%
Owner occupied 10,155 57.6% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Wausau housing costs

Housing costs in Wausau come to a median of $1,006 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,010.

Median housing costs per month
$1,006/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Wausau
$1,010/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Wausau

Wausau education at a glance

About 35.8% of the population in Wausau went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 19.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,219 3.9% 12.8%
High school diploma 11,167 35.8% -0.6%
College diploma 6,278 20.1% -5.1%
Associate degree 3,545 11.4% 7.0%
Bachelor's degree 5,958 19.1% 7.9%
Graduate degree 3,043 9.8% -1.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Wausau

How much people earn in Wausau

The average annual household income in Wausau was $80,941 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,389, reflecting a +4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wausau
$80,941/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wausau
$64,389/year
4.1% year-over-year change

Wausau income by age

In Wausau, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,997. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,977 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $65,057, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,828 in earnings. Overall, 85.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $65,057 34.5%
25 - 44 $72,997 4.9%
45 - 64 $73,977 2.8%
Over 65 $41,828 -5.6%
Above poverty level
32,982
Below poverty level
5,587
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,982 85.5% -0.2%
Below poverty level 5,587 14.5% 2.0%

Average renter income in Wausau

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wausau, their median household income was $37,613 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,613
Rent-to-income ratio
32.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Wausau

Workforce and job types in Wausau

The job market in Wausau is powered by 19,920 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 71.9% are employed by private companies, and 9.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
19,920
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
15,254
Blue collar
4,666
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,254 76.6% 0.8%
Blue collar 4,666 23.4% 1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
71.9%
Governmental workers
9.8%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,663 8.4% 0.2%
Private companies 14,317 71.9% 1.1%
Governmental workers 1,960 9.8% -6.3%
Not for profit companies 1,980 9.9% 10.1%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
6.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wausau stands at 4.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Wausau

How people get around in Wausau

In Wausau, the average commute time is 15 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
15 min
-0.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 15,621 80% -1.1%
Taxicab 94 0.5% -36.9%
Bus or trolleybus 137 0.7% -23.5%
Motorcycle 10 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 139 0.7% 9.4%
Walk 504 2.6% 10.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Wausau by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54401 31,692 13,449 $71,586 $89,947
54403 24,950 10,499 $69,030 $91,357
54417 4 4 $0 $0

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FAQs about Wausau demographics 

What is the total population of Wausau?

Wausau has a total population of 39,996 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wausau?

The gender ratio in Wausau is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (19,427 residents)
  • 51.4% females (20,569 residents)

What is the median age in Wausau?

The median age in Wausau is 38.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wausau?

The age distribution in Wausau is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (7,309 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (4,652 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.5% (11,810 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (8,484 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (7,741 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wausau?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wausau is as follows:
  • White: 79.4% (31,773 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (179 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (89 residents)
  • Asian: 10.4% (4,169 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (2,458 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (1,307 residents)

What percentage of the population in Wausau are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.6% of the population in Wausau.

How many housing units are there in Wausau?

There are 18,718 housing units in Wausau, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Wausau and what is the average household size?

Wausau has a total of 17,625 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wausau?

Wausau has a median household income of $64,389, representing a +4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Wausau?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Wausau, with a workforce of 19,920 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.6% (15,254 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.4% (4,666 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (1,663 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.9% (14,317 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.8% (1,960 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (1,980 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025