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).
Where to stay in Wausau
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.