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 2026 the population of West Central Wisconsin is 501,924. The population is expected to grow to 512,433 by 2031 - a growth rate of 0.42%.
The median age of West Central Wisconsin residents is 41.
The diversity index of West Central Wisconsin is 23.1, 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 19,475 businesses in West Central Wisconsin, employing 217,271 workers and pulling from a labor force of 249,704 age 16 and above. 51,628 workers commute into West Central Wisconsin from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
168,665 residents both live and work in/around West Central Wisconsin. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 7.04% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.91% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 187,468 drive alone, 18,876 carpool, and 896 take public transportation. 10,550 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 31,598 residents work from home.
102,145 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 54,706 have associates degrees, 75,597 have bachelor’s degrees, and 34,958 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
