Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a growing city with a strong sense of community, a thriving local economy, and a rich cultural landscape. For entrepreneurs looking to open a business here, understanding the population and demographics is crucial for making informed decisions. By exploring key data points about the city’s residents, businesses, and economic environment, entrepreneurs can better align their strategies to serve the community’s needs and identify opportunities for growth.
Here are some key population and demographic factors to consider before opening a business in Eau Claire.
Population & Age Demographics
Eau Claire has a relatively young population due to its university presence, making it a great market for products and services that appeal to students and young professionals. The city also has a sizable number of families and retirees, so identifying which demographic you want to target is essential.
Students (18–24 Years Old)
UW-Eau Claire is one of the largest employers in the area, so its students represent a sizable and dynamic market segment. They are typically looking for affordable goods and services, such as budget-friendly dining, entertainment, and student housing options. They are also active online shoppers, so having an e-commerce or delivery option can be important. This group values convenience, trends, and accessibility.
Young Professionals (25–35 Years Old)
This group includes many recent graduates and early-career workers who are starting to establish themselves in the local economy. They’re likely to prioritize work-life balance, healthy living, and sustainability. Entrepreneurs can tap into this demographic by offering services such as fitness, co-working spaces, or eco-friendly products. Young professionals are also likely to frequent local coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries, so a trendy, community-oriented business might resonate well with them.
Families (35–50 Years Old)
As Eau Claire has a growing number of young families, businesses that cater to children, education, home improvement, and family-friendly services can do well. This demographic often prioritizes affordability, safety, and long-term value. Local family-friendly activities—such as parks, kid-friendly events, and family restaurants—are also key opportunities to tap into.
Retirees and Empty Nesters (50+ Years Old)
Thanks to the area’s affordability and natural amenities, Eau Claire is attracting retirees and individuals who are transitioning into their post-career life. Businesses that cater to leisure activities, healthcare, wellness, and hobbies (such as golf or arts and crafts) are increasingly in demand. Many retirees also have disposable income, so high-quality services and products for home improvement, travel, or entertainment can be lucrative.
Income Levels & Spending Power
While Eau Claire is generally an affordable place to live, it’s important to analyze the income levels of your target market to ensure your pricing aligns with local expectations. Checking out recent data published in our division’s annual community profile reports on Eau Claire, Wisconsin income and spending habits is a great place to start.
Income Distribution
The median household income in Eau Claire is approximately $60,000, which is close to the national average. However, income can vary significantly across different areas of the city. For instance, downtown Eau Claire, which has experienced a surge in development, tends to have higher disposable income levels due to its growing population of young professionals and tech workers. On the other hand, suburban areas or neighborhoods with more established, family-oriented populations might focus more on value-oriented, essential services.
Expenditures
Becoming aware of what consumers in Eau Claire are likely to spend money on will give you a better sense of where there is market demand. According to data from local retailers and industry reports, Eau Claire residents typically spend more on healthcare, food and dining, and home improvement than many other comparable cities in the region. Outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, camping) is also a key spending category, given the area’s natural beauty and proximity to the Chippewa River and surrounding forests.
Education & Workforce Trends
Eau Claire is home to a highly educated workforce, with a significant proportion of the population holding a college degree. This is an important factor for businesses that require a skilled or professional labor force. Getting a look at the educational landscape can help you align your business needs with the right talent pool.
University Presence
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College provide a steady stream of highly educated workers, including students, recent graduates, and faculty members. Many of these individuals are inclined to stay in Eau Claire after graduation due to the area’s high quality of life, making it an excellent location for businesses that require knowledge workers in fields such as healthcare, technology, education, and creative industries.
Workforce Development
Eau Claire’s workforce is evolving with trends in remote work, digital skills, and health and wellness. If your business requires specialized knowledge or tech-savvy employees, consider the fact that the region is becoming increasingly focused on developing workers in IT, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. You might also find opportunities to partner with local universities for internships or collaborative projects to cultivate a skilled workforce.
Talent Shortages in Certain Sectors
While Eau Claire has a strong workforce in many industries, like any city, there are also gaps in specific fields. For example, skilled trades, healthcare workers (such as nurses and technicians), and tech professionals are often in demand. Identifying these gaps can present opportunities for businesses that provide recruitment, training, or other workforce development solutions.
Local Retail & Commercial Development Trends
The retail landscape in Eau Claire is evolving. While there’s still a strong local brick-and-mortar presence, Eau Claire also has a growing trend toward e-commerce and hybrid business models. Looking at the direction of retail development will help you identify opportunities for both physical and online businesses.
Revitalization of Downtown Eau Claire
One of Eau Claire’s most exciting trends is the revitalization of its downtown core. The city has invested in revitalizing old buildings, creating public spaces, and fostering a walkable environment. As a result, new businesses are popping up in retail, foodservice, and hospitality. Entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Eau Claire might consider locating in this district, where foot traffic and visibility are rising.
Rural & Suburban Markets
While the downtown area is flourishing, suburban and rural parts of Eau Claire County have their own potential. The Chippewa Valley, including neighboring communities like Altoona and Chippewa Falls, is experiencing growth, especially in housing, education, and healthcare services. Looking into suburban needs—such as family-oriented services, elder care, or home improvement businesses—could provide opportunities for businesses catering to a more suburban or rural demographic.
Increasing Focus on Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Products
Eau Claire is a city that increasingly values sustainability, from waste management to energy-efficient housing. Businesses offering eco-friendly or locally sourced products are becoming more popular, especially among younger demographics and families. Whether it’s a zero-waste store, an organic restaurant, or a green building supply company, there’s a growing demand for businesses that align with these values.
Seasonal & Tourism Influences
Given Eau Claire’s proximity to the Chippewa River and its natural landscape, the city enjoys a steady stream of tourists, as well as seasonal demand for certain products and services. Entrepreneurs should consider how tourism and seasonal changes may impact their business operations.
Tourism
Eau Claire hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as farmers markets, the Blue Ox Music Festival, and the Downtown Fall Festival. These events bring both regional and out-of-state visitors, offering business owners opportunities to tap into a transient market. Whether you’re offering unique local products, services, or experiences, understanding how to market to tourists can be key. You may also want to consider accommodations, transportation, or event-based services that cater to visitors during peak seasons.
Outdoor Recreation
Eau Claire is known for its recreational opportunities. The Chippewa River provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, while the nearby forests and trails attract hikers, cyclists, and winter sports enthusiasts. Businesses that cater to these outdoor activities—such as equipment rentals, guided tours, or eco-tourism experiences—can benefit from the influx of recreational tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the spring and summer months.
To truly succeed in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, entrepreneurs need to dig deeper into the local market and demographics, beyond the basics of age and income. By getting an overview of the specific preferences, spending habits, education trends, and seasonal factors that influence Eau Claire’s economy, you can make more informed decisions that lead to rapid success for your new business. No matter who you’re targeting, there’s a wealth of opportunities for businesses that align with the community’s values, lifestyle preferences, and economic dynamics.
About The Author
Jake Wiensch
Economic Development Supervisor
Jake works on the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division’s business attraction and retention initiatives and oversees our financial and property assistance programs.
