West Central

Population: 732,739

Top Employers

PHILLIPS MEDISIZE
GRASSLAND DAIRY PRODUCTS
TRANE COMPANY
ASHLEY FURNITURE
ORGANIC VALLEY
XCEL ENERGY
MAYO HEALTH SYSTEM
GUNDERSEN MEDICAL CENTER
LOGISTICS HEALTH

Average Housing Cost

  • Eau Claire $157,000
  • La Crosse $142,100
  • River Falls $236,800

West Central Wisconsin

Scenic landscape, high quality of life and an abundance of recreational activities

West Central Wisconsin, located on the Mississippi River and in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, is an area of tremendous diversity on multiple fronts. With an abundance of recreational activities for individuals, families and groups, it is impossible to not find something to fill your time.

Whether your interest lies in the growing arts and entertainment scene in our urban areas or the many vineyards and craft breweries found across the beautiful terrain of the Great River Road, including the famous Leinenkugel’s, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. Smaller communities offer numerous festivals year-round, and two major Oktoberfest gatherings are regional favorites. The region hosts an impressive offering of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and ATV trails, along with rivers, quiet streams perfect for a canoe or kayak, and lakes ideal for fishing and boating. If you relish the music scene, summers are filled with music festivals of all genres. From one of the largest country music festivals in the nation to weekly festivals along the waterfronts, the area has quickly become a hub for music professionals.

The region is a true mix of rural and urban geography. The retail offerings and cultural amenities of larger cities such as Eau Claire and La Crosse complement smaller communities, each of which has its own flavor and cultural offerings. From weekend farm-to-table markets to seasonal events, everywhere you go in the region offers an opportunity to stop and walk the community, no matter what time of the year. This is just a taste of West Central Wisconsin. Entrench yourself in what we have to offer. You may never leave, but if you do, we know you’ll be back!

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PEOPLE & PLACES IN WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN

Pablo Center - Wisconsin Story video thumbnail

"The Eau Claire community for a long time had this arts identity kind of bubbling under the surface, but there was no real centerpiece or meeting place for it all. That’s really what the Pablo Center came to be."

NICK MEYER • VOLUME ONE • EAU CLAIRE

Wesley Escondo - Big Brother Big Sister - Wisconsin Stories

“Wisconsin is the best state for us. The balance of network support, the economics and the opportunity for social and culture. Wisconsin is ideal for anyone’s success.”

WESLEY ESCONDO • EAU CLAIRE

Ambient Inks - Wisconsin Stories

“There is a sense of belonging that I feel in Eau Claire that I don’t think I would feel if I was living in a different city.”

AARON BRICE • AMBIENT INKS • EAU CLAIRE

McPherson Guitars - Wisconsin Stories

“Choosing Wisconsin was a perfect fit for our company and part of it was the people that live in the great state of Wisconsin.”

LARRY KLENC • MCPHERSON GUITARS • SPARTA

Regional Events

Flyway Film Festival

October

Stockholm

Hudson Hot Air Affair

February

Hudson

Country Jam USA

July

Eau Claire

Warrens Cranberry Festival

September

Warrens

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days

September

Pepin

Art on Kinni

September

River Falls

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WISCONSIN

Charming small-town living with close proximity to major metro areas

Education, culture-rich communities and $1 billion in yearly research

Lake Michigan, old world charm and craft beer and Wisconsin’s largest city

Scenic landscape, high qualify of life and an abundance of recreational activities

Extraordinary quality of life, outdoor recreation and business-friendly communities

Impactful careers, family living and recreational opportunities galore​

Recreational playgrounds, safe neighborhoods and a small-town feel

Recreational playgrounds, safe neighborhoods and a small-town feel

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SOUTH CENTRAL

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WEST CENTRAL

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