RANK #490 / 996 · POP 105,697 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.8%
Nestled at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county seat, Eau Claire, is about 90 miles east of Minneapolis, Minnesota, offering a commute that is generally shorter than the national average. The community provides extensive outdoor activities, including over 70 miles of bike trails, numerous parks like Big Falls County Park with its waterfalls and hiking trails, and access to lakes for boating and fishing. This blend of accessibility and natural scenery contributes to a distinctive feel.
Life in Eau Claire County offers a balance of urban amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, appealing to families and young professionals. The public school system is highly rated, and the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College contributes to a focus on education. The economy is diverse, with major sectors including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Recent economic developments show growth in commercial and residential construction, as well as investments in manufacturing and energy sectors, reflecting a community that is actively evolving while maintaining its quality of life.
Below national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Eau Claire Wind Project
RWE Clean Energy
|
$200M | Dormant |
|
The Sevens Apartment Complex & Business Park
Hoeft Builders
|
$120M | Planned |
|
SCS Eau Claire Redevelopment (Phases 2 & 3)
SCS Eau Claire
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Cannery Square Apartments
Unknown
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Paragon Apartments
Hoeft Builders
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Eau Claire County has a Boom Town Index score of 51/100, ranking #490 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.3% and a median household income of $70,127, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Eau Claire County is $226,400 with median rent at $929/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3097, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.3%. Home values changed +2.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.01% of Eau Claire County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.