Eau Claire 88 Exceptional
Eau Claire Livability #8 ranked city in Wisconsin#141 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Eau Claire

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.

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What's it like Living in Eau Claire?

Eau Claire is a mid-sized city located in the state of Wisconsin. The city has a population of 68,720 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Eau Claire could be considered less diverse than other cities. Eau Claire could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. Eau Claire is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 45% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Eau Claire offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Eau Claire could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Wisconsin if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Eau Claire and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Eau Claire to Wisconsin and the national average.

With a livability score of 86 out of 100, Eau Claire is ranked #214 in the United States and #13 in Wisconsin. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Eau Claire could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Eau Claire ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Eau Claire has received high marks for amenities (A+), crime (B), cost of living (A-), education (B-) and housing (A).

Living in Eau Claire offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Eau Claire provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Eau Claire are: Chaos Water Park, Action City, and Carson Park.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 138 crimes per 100,000 residents, Eau Claire has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Eau Claire market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Eau Claire is real estate affordability. The median home price for Eau Claire homes is $165,700, which is 0.8% lower than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Eau Claire, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Eau Claire

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Eau Claire?

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Compare Eau Claire, WI Livability

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      Eau Claire transportation information

      Statistic Eau Claire Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute16min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.1%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.7%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home6.9%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Eau Claire, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).