RANK #243 / 996 NAT · #22 / 29 WI · POP 105,697
1YR FORECAST: +1.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +31%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
With a Boom Town Index score of 76/100, Eau Claire County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.3%, and median household income stands at $70,127 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in WI.
Housing in Eau Claire County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $226,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $929/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Eau Claire County are hiring — job growth of +1.3% — but the population is close to flat (+0.5% YoY). Home values moved +2.5% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
In significant numbers — 6.01% of Eau Claire County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.