Pros and Cons of Living in Wausau
Wausau's honest trade-off is a real, disclosed below-national-average crime rate and strong regional healthcare access, set against the highest property tax rate in Marathon County.
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Learn moreReal advantages
Wausau offers a real, disclosed crime rate 29% below the national average, Aspirus Wausau Hospital's U.S. News #7-in-Wisconsin regional ranking, an above-average-rated school district (4.1/5 on Niche), and home values genuinely below the national median.
Real trade-offs
Wausau's property tax rate (2.05%) is the highest in Marathon County, the city's historic 'Wausau Insurance' brand is now a Liberty Mutual subsidiary rather than an independent local company, and the city is genuinely car-dependent with no rail transit.
The net read
For families and buyers prioritizing safety and healthcare access who can budget for the above-county-median property tax rate, Wausau's advantages are genuine. For buyers prioritizing the lowest possible property tax rate, other Marathon County municipalities run meaningfully lower.
Key takeaways
- Real pros: a below-national-average crime rate, a top-7 Wisconsin hospital, and an above-average school district.
- Real cons: the highest property tax rate in Marathon County (2.05%) and a car-dependent commute.
- The net read favors safety- and healthcare-focused buyers who can budget for the higher property tax rate.
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