The West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board is a partner in building a stronger workforce and thriving economies in the vibrant communities of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. From rural towns to larger cities, this region is home to innovative businesses, dedicated individuals and growing opportunities.
Whether you're an employer seeking talent or a job seeker ready to take the next step, West Central Wisconsin is well-positioned to deliver sustainable growth and prosperity through the right resources, connections and support. Learn more about these communities where businesses thrive and individuals reach their full potential!
As of 2025 the population of West Central Wisconsin is 495,620. The population is expected to grow to 504,254 by 2030 - a growth rate of 0.35%.
The median age of West Central Wisconsin residents is 40.
The diversity index of West Central Wisconsin is 22.5, meaning that there is a 23% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
There are 19,277 businesses in West Central Wisconsin, employing 218,814 workers and pulling from a labor force of 247,662 age 16 and above. 52,386 workers commute into West Central Wisconsin from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
163,763 residents both live and work in/around West Central Wisconsin. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 6.6% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.73% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 192,287 drive alone, 18,628 carpool, and 802 take public transportation. 10,859 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 24,927 residents work from home.
103,449 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 49,490 have associates degrees, 70,029 have bachelor’s degrees, and 33,046 hold a graduate or professional degree.
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