Wausau, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Wausau, Wisconsin is 39,893 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest city in Wisconsin. The median household income is $61,877, the median home value is $155,900, and the median age is 38.4.
The population has grown 2.7% since 2010 (39,186 → 40,262).
39,893
Population
2075
People / sq mi
$61,877
Median Income
$155,900
Median Home Value
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Wausau covers 19.2 sq mi of land at 2075 people per square mile.
About Wausau, WI
In Wausau, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $155,900. With 39,893 residents, Wausau is a city in Wisconsin. It ranks #18 among cities in Wisconsin by population.
The typical household earns $61,877, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $155,900, with typical rent around $950.
Roughly 30.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 12.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Wausau city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Wausau city had a population of 39,186 in 2010 and 40,262 in 2024, a 2.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,262 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.20%.
40,262
Population (2024)
39,186
Population (2010)
40,262
Peak (2024)
0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 39,186 |
| 2011 | 39,154 |
| 2012 | 39,147 |
| 2013 | 39,192 |
| 2014 | 39,160 |
| 2015 | 38,964 |
| 2016 | 38,743 |
| 2017 | 38,720 |
| 2018 | 38,603 |
| 2019 | 38,561 |
| 2020 | 40,042 |
| 2021 | 39,769 |
| 2022 | 39,868 |
| 2023 | 40,148 |
| 2024 | 40,262 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$61,877
Median Household Income
$35,290
Per Capita Income
9.0%
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$155,900
Median Home Value
$950
Median Rent
57.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
92.0%
High School+
30.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.9%
Drive Alone
72.5%
Public Transit
12.7%
Work From Home
15.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
20.2%
Foreign Born
88.0%
Non-English at Home
6.5%
Veterans
15.7%
With Disability
92.8%
Health Insurance
92.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.0% |
| Manufacturing | 17.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.5% |
| Information | 7.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.2% |
| Retail Trade | 4.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.0% |
| Public Administration | 3.4% |
| Construction | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wausau, Wisconsin has a population of 39,893 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest city in Wisconsin.
The median household income in Wausau, Wisconsin is $61,877, with 9.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Wausau, Wisconsin is $155,900, with median monthly rent at $950 and a homeownership rate of 57.6%.
The median age in Wausau, Wisconsin is 38.4 years. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The population has grown 2.7% since 2010 (39,186 → 40,262).
Wausau city, WI Climate
Wausau city, WI has an average annual temperature of 6.1°C (43°F) and receives about 821 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.1°C
Avg Temp
821
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 12° | 27 mm |
| February | -8° / 18° | 22 mm |
| March | -1° / 29° | 50 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 69 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 99 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 98 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 98 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 107 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 107 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 61 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 49 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 34 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Wausau city, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Wausau city, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wausau
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.