Wausau, Wisconsin

Wausau, Wisconsin
Downtown Wausau
Motto: 
"Welcome home to Wausau."
Interactive map of Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau
Wausau
Coordinates: 44°57′N 89°38′W / 44.950°N 89.633°W / 44.950; -89.633
Country United States
State Wisconsin
CountyMarathon
Government
 • MayorDoug Diny
Area
 • City
20.33 sq mi (52.66 km2)
 • Land19.22 sq mi (49.77 km2)
 • Water1.11 sq mi (2.88 km2)
Elevation
1,207 ft (368 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • City
39,994
 • Density2,081.1/sq mi (803.5/km2)
 • Metro
134,063
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (Central)
ZIP Code
54401 and 54403
Area codes715 & 534
FIPS code55-84475
Websitewww.wausauwi.gov

Wausau (/ˈwɔːsɔː/ WAW-saw) is a city in Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States, and its county seat. It is located along the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin and had a population of 39,994 at the 2020 census. The Wausau metropolitan statistical area, consisting solely of Marathon County, had a population of 138,013.

The Wausau area was inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the Ojibwe. It was settled by European immigrants in the mid-19th century and developed as a lumbering center due to its access to pine forests and river transport. Cultural and recreational attractions in Wausau include the Grand Theater, Granite Peak Ski Area, Rib Mountain State Park, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and the Wisconsin River.