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Is Eau Claire a Good Place to Live? Eau Claire, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Eau Claire ranks #357 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and short commutes (16.7 min, #26 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Eau Claire by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Eau Claire's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire's cost of living index is 92.8, 7% below the US level of 100 and #370 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,045/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $318,287, 6% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Eau Claire | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.8#370 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $318,287#429 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,100/mo#55 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $247,600#392 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,045/mo#258 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.6%#298 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Eau Claire housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Eau Claire is in the Eau Claire, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Eau Claire safe?
Eau Claire recorded 168 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 30% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #283 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #132 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Eau Claire Police Department. Property crime runs 1,792 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Eau Claire | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 168#283 of 1,085 | 240 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,792#618 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Eau Claire?
The median household in Eau Claire earns $67,395, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Eau Claire | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $67,395#868 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.3%#813 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Eau Claire?
The median resident of Eau Claire is 32.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Eau Claire | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 36.7%#556 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Eau Claire's schools and health?
Eau Claire's 20 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $14,336 spent per pupil. 30.1% of adults are obese and 8.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Eau Claire | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,336#661 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 30.1%#398 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.5%#145 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.6%#326 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,570 students are enrolled in Eau Claire's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Eau Claire?
The average commute in Eau Claire is 16.7 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 1.4% of workers take transit and 12.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Eau Claire scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.2°F and winters 18°F, with 33 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Eau Claire | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.7 min#123 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.7% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.1% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.4% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.6#912 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23.4 | 5.8 | 1 |
| Feb | 28.4 | 9.1 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 41.3 | 21.2 | 2 |
| Apr | 56.5 | 33.2 | 3.1 |
| May | 69.6 | 45.1 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 78.7 | 55.5 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 82.8 | 59.8 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 57.7 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 49.3 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 58 | 36.9 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 42 | 24.7 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 28.7 | 12.6 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chippewa Valley Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Eau Claire | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 44.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 18°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 33 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chippewa Valley Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Eau Claire County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Eau Claire | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#414 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Eau Claire County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Eau Claire County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0069% | 77% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0046% | 73% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.084% | 54% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Eau Claire compare with similar-size cities?
Eau Claire is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #171 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 70,322.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #357 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 | 16.7 min |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | #540 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 | 27.4 min |
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #12 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 | 25.2 min |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #925 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 | 19.8 min |
| Camarillo, CAPop. 70,186 | #632 | 56.2 | $113,428 | $2,734/mo | 144 | 23 min |
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #1022 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 | 35.4 min |
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #103 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 | 29.4 min |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #1257 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 | 17.7 min |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #1295 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 | 19.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Eau Claire compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Eau Claire ranks #12 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 13% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Wisconsin home.
| City | Rank in WI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #1 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #2 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #3 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #4 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #5 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #6 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #7 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #8 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #9 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #10 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 |
| Janesville, WIPop. 66,030 | #11 | 61.6 | $73,446 | $1,054/mo | 122 |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #12 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #13 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #14 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 |
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #15 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #16 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #17 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #18 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #19 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #20 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 |
All 20 Wisconsin cities we track, by overall score. Wisconsin statewide: median income $77,488, violent crime 240.3 per 100,000.
How is Eau Claire's score calculated?
Eau Claire scores 60.8 out of 100, #357 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wisconsin's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Eau Claire. Similar-size median 55.5.
55.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Eau Claire's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
83.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Eau Claire. Similar-size median 58.9.
63.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Eau Claire's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Eau Claire's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
78.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Eau Claire. Similar-size median 56.1.
43.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Eau Claire. Similar-size median 42.4.
49.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Eau Claire. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Eau Claire's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
40.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
67.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Eau Claire's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Eau Claire has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Eau Claire
Is Eau Claire, WI a good place to live?
Eau Claire ranks #357 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and short commutes (16.7 min, #26 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire's cost of living index is 92.8, 7% below the US level of 100 and #370 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,045/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $318,287, 6% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire recorded 168 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 30% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #283 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #132 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Eau Claire Police Department. Property crime runs 1,792 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Eau Claire?
The median household in Eau Claire earns $67,395, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Eau Claire?
Median rent in Eau Claire is $1,045/mo (Census), #258 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,100/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Eau Claire?
The typical home value in Eau Claire is $318,287, up 1.8% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $247,600.
How are the public schools in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire's 20 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $14,336 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Eau Claire?
The average commute is 16.7 minutes, #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire averages 44.7°F over the year, 69.2°F in summer and 18°F in winter, with 33 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Eau Claire walkable?
Eau Claire scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Eau Claire at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Eau Claire County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire has 70,322 residents. The median resident of Eau Claire is 32.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Eau Claire compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Eau Claire ranks #12 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 13% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Eau Claire?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Eau Claire's population of 70,322 are North Richland Hills, TX (#540 overall), Apex, NC (#12 overall), St. Cloud, MN (#925 overall), Camarillo, CA (#632 overall), and East Orange, NJ (#1022 overall). Eau Claire is #357.