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City Report · WI

Wausau

Pop. 39,996·60th most expensive in Wisconsin·Wausau rents are up 6.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,029/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.1%
Month-over-Month
-2.0%
vs US Median
-$933
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Wausau · $1,029
More affordable than 97% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
43/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% above what Wausau's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$1,029/mo
Expected by trend
$995/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Wausau's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$725
1 BR
$805
2 BR
$1,055
3 BR
$1,380
4 BR+
$1,400
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,055/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,029 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$12,348/yr
At $1,029/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (6.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.1% YoY, -2.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Wausau, WI is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 30.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
39,996
Median income
$64,389
Median age
38.2
Renters
42.4%
Age distribution
22%
23.4%
23.8%
19.4%
Under 1822%
18–3423.4%
35–5423.8%
55–6411.5%
65+19.4%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
79.4%
White79.4%
Hispanic5.4%
Asian10.4%
Other4.3%
Education (25+)
29.7%
31.5%
30.9%
No HS diploma7.9%
HS diploma29.7%
Some college31.5%
Bachelor's+30.9%
Housing tenure
57.6%
42.4%
Owner57.6%
Renter42.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Wausau, WI has changed in 5 years

Income
$53,800 → $64,389
up 19.7%
Population
39,745 → 39,996
up 0.6%
Renter share
42% → 42.4%
+0.4 pts
Bachelor's+
30.7% → 30.9%
+0.2 pts

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $53,800 in 2021 to $64,389 more recently.

Community

Discussions about Wausau

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View Wausau rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Wausau on your salary?

At $1,029/mo, how Wausau rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Wausau rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Wausau. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Wausau

About renting in Wausau, WI

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Wausau is $1,029/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $725/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,055/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $805/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,380/mo.

At 19% of local median household income ($64,389/yr), Wausau ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Wausau an affordable city for renters?

Wausau is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,029/mo, rent takes approximately 19% of the local median household income ($64,389/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Wausau falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Wausau?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $41,000/year (~$20/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,029/mo in Wausau. The local median household income is $64,389/yr, meaning the typical Wausau household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Wausau?

Rent in Wausau has increased 6.1% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Wausau neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Wausau are 54401 ($961/mo), and 54403 ($1,139/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Wausau is $1,029/mo.

How does Wausau rent compare to other cities in Wisconsin?

Wausau is one of the more affordable cities in Wisconsin for rent, ranking #60 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,029/mo.

What percentage of Wausau residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 42.4% of Wausau households are renters, while 57.6% are owner-occupied. Wausau leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Wausau rent compare to the national average?

Wausau's median rent of $1,029/mo is $933 (48%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Wisconsin, it ranks #60 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
19%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,029/mo, rent takes ~19% of Wausau's median household income ($64,389/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Wausau 19%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
Run the Wausau affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Wausau
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Wausau, WI

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