Let the numbers do the talking.
Cottage Grove, WI vs Wausau, WI
Cottage Grove, WI vs Wausau, WI: What the data shows
Cottage Grove, WI is in Cottage Grove, WI while Wausau, WI is in Wausau, WI — both in the same state. On home prices, Wausau, WI is the more affordable option at $173,800 median — $166,200 less than Cottage Grove, WI's $340,000. WYLT rates Cottage Grove, WI as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Wausau, WI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Cottage Grove, WI has the stronger safety profile of the two. Cottage Grove, WI has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Wausau, WI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Cottage Grove, WI has Low flood risk and Wausau, WI has Low flood risk.
Cottage Grove, WI is the more walkable neighborhood. Cottage Grove, WI scores 14/100 (car-dependent) versus Wausau, WI's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Cottage Grove, WI has the higher school rating — Cottage Grove, WI rates 6.8/10 and Wausau, WI rates 5.8/10.
| Category | Cottage Grove, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $340K | $174K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $920 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $73K ✓ Higher income | $65K |
| Price Volatility | Low | Low |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 14/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | N/A | 60 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.8/10 ✓ Better schools | 5.8/10 |
| Best for | familieshomeownersthose who value a quiet lifestyle | familiesretireesremote workers |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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