RANK #10 / 996 · POP 137,820 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +4.8%
Rib Mountain State Park, home to one of the oldest geological formations on Earth and Granite Peak Ski Area, is a prominent feature of Marathon County, Wisconsin. Located in north-central Wisconsin, Marathon County is the state's largest county by area. Wausau, the county seat, is about a three-hour drive from Milwaukee and Minneapolis. The community offers a blend of urban amenities and small-town atmosphere. Commuting within Wausau is facilitated by Metro Ride, the city's bus system. The county also boasts over 100 miles of bike and pedestrian routes, including the 83-mile Mountain-Bay State Trail. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with 17 county parks, numerous lakes and rivers, and extensive trails for hiking, biking, and winter sports.
Life in Marathon County is characterized by a strong sense of community and access to outdoor activities. Public schools in Marathon County generally perform above the state average in math and reading proficiency. The economy is largely driven by manufacturing and agriculture, with Marathon County ranking highly in dairy production and total agricultural sales. While the county has seen an increase in households struggling with basic needs, efforts are underway to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for all residents.
Below national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.9x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Marathon County has a Boom Town Index score of 99/100, ranking #10 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $73,248, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Marathon County is $194,500 with median rent at $898/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3766, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +9.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.17% of Marathon County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.