Known for its distinctive charm, Eau Claire is West Central Wisconsin’s up-and-coming cultural hub for young professionals, families, and entrepreneurs alike. Driven by a recent renaissance of its arts scene and a flurry of redevelopment projects, the city has managed to bridge the gap between a cozy small-town atmosphere and modern metropolitan amenities, all while keeping its cost of living impressively low. Explore what makes this flourishing community, nestled at the confluence of two scenic rivers, a sought-after place to both live and do business in the Midwest.
Eau Claire’s growth has been on an upward trajectory everywhere it matters over the last ten years while unemployment has remained below the national average.
2025 vs. 2015
2025
2025 vs. 2020
2024 vs. 2014
2025 vs. 2015
2023 vs. 2013
Source: Esri Community Analytics Software, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Eau Claire is actively engaged in several economic development projects, each poised to drive growth and prosperity. From revitalizing our downtown districts to fostering innovation in emerging industries, these initiatives span various sectors and are fueled by collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
The Sevens: This new mixed-used development will add housing, Class A offices, retail space, and a new bike overpass on the city’s south side.
Sonnentag Events Center & Fieldhouse: Completed in late 2024, this state-of-the-art multifunctional facility will host diverse events and provide recreational amenities to the region.
Cannery District: This dynamic mixed-use development project will revitalize former industrial spaces into a vibrant urban destination featuring residential, commercial, and recreational elements.
Follow our blog for the most recent updates on our division’s projects.
Station 955 Apartments is a new residential complex located near Chippewa Valley Technical College. The development offers a variety of units, including both luxury and affordable living options designed to cater to students and professionals who desire easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation.
Haymarket Plaza is a vibrant riverfront destination in downtown Eau Claire. It features a large 500-seat outdoor amphitheater, flexible event lawn, public art installations, and pedestrian-friendly walkways along the Chippewa River—all designed to activate the Riverfront Commons corridor and support dining, retail, and development opportunities in the heart of the city.
The Sonnentag Center is a new sports facility located on the Chippewa River. It houses a 5,000-capacity event space, a turfed fieldhouse, the UW-Eau Claire Center for Health & Wellbeing, the Mayo Clinic Health System Diagnostic Imaging & Sports Medicine Center, surface level parking, and commercial redevelopment space.
TTM Technologies has announced the acquisition of a former manufacturing facility on Eau Claire’s north side.
Block 7 is a mixed-use development located north of the Liner Site along North Barstow Street. The project transformed a former empty parking area into two lots with a six-story 109-unit apartment building on the north side and Menomonie Market Food Co-op, a community-owned grocery store, on the south side.
The City of Eau Claire and partners have unveiled a new community video platform called Grow Eau Claire.