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Wisconsin: Congressional District 3
Wisconsin is among the nation’s most climate resilient states, and Congressional District 3 includes many options for Lowest and Lower Climate Risk Vulnerability living, including Eau Claire, La Crosse, Menomonie and Steven’s Point.
Residents here enjoy a distinct four-season climate, with warm summers, vibrant autumns, and cold, snowy winters making outdoor activities like fishing, boating on numerous lakes and rivers, hiking, and extensive winter sports a key draw. The quality of life in this area is generally high, characterized by a more relaxed pace than larger metropolitan centers, friendly communities, and a strong sense of local pride. This region often appeals to those seeking a balance between outdoor access and comfortable, accessible living.
A significant advantage of living here is the generally affordable cost of living, particularly for housing, making it an attractive option for families and individuals. The economy in this part of Wisconsin is diverse. While agriculture remains a foundational element, there's a strong presence of manufacturing, healthcare, and education, particularly around the larger cities which boast a university and regional medical centers. This mix provides a variety of employment opportunities and contributes to a stable job market. The public school systems throughout the region vary, but many are well-regarded and offer comprehensive educational programs, further enhancing the area's appeal for those looking for a family-friendly environment with a strong emphasis on community and a connection to the outdoors.
Much of this district includes areas designated Lower and Lowest Vulnerability on the US Climate Vulnerability Index.
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS
Eau Claire, Eau Claire County
Eau Claire Livability Stats:
Suburban ● $$$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Outdoor Adventure
Eau Claire Homes for Sale and Rent
Living in Eau Claire offers a blend of small-city charm and access to nature. The city is defined by the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The area is known for its extensive park systems and a strong connection to the outdoors, with trails and green spaces integrated throughout the community. A significant part of the local identity is shaped by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, which contributes to a vibrant cultural scene with arts, music, and a youthful energy.
The city has a four-season climate, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters that are ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. Eau Claire has been recognized for its affordability and quality of life, often appearing on lists of top places to live in the Midwest. Its economy is supported by a mix of healthcare, education, and manufacturing. While it provides a relaxed pace of life, it's also a regional hub for music and events, drawing people from surrounding rural areas and creating a strong sense of community.
Eau Claire Climate Stats
Eau Claire County ranks 59th out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for overall climate vulnerability. This places it in the 20th national vulnerability percentile, indicating a lower overall vulnerability.
Key Vulnerabilities:
The report identifies several key areas where Eau Claire County has higher vulnerability:
Climate Impacts: The county ranks 43rd out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for vulnerability to environmental and economic disruptions from climate impacts. This places it in the 39th national vulnerability percentile.
Extreme Events: Historical and projected extreme weather event occurrences show a high vulnerability, ranking in the 77th national vulnerability percentile.
Precipitation: Vulnerability related to precipitation is high, ranking in the 72nd national vulnerability percentile.
Social Stressors: The county shows high vulnerability to social stressors, ranking in the 70th national vulnerability percentile.
Infectious Diseases: The vulnerability to infectious diseases is high, ranking in the 65th national vulnerability percentile.
Heat: Vulnerability related to temperature is a concern, ranking in the 64th national vulnerability percentile.
Areas of Relative Resilience
The report also highlights several areas where the community shows lower vulnerability:
Community Baseline: The county ranks 61st out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for resilience to climate impacts. This places it in the 16th national vulnerability percentile, indicating a very low vulnerability.
Infrastructure: Essential structures, services, and resources that affect community resilience show very low vulnerability, ranking in the 11th national vulnerability percentile.
Social & Economic (Climate Impacts): The social and economic costs and impacts associated with climate change also show very low vulnerability, ranking in the 13th national vulnerability percentile.
Health (Community Baseline): Factors reflecting the overall state of population health show low vulnerability, ranking in the 29th national vulnerability percentile.
Summary
Eau Claire County has a lower overall climate vulnerability, ranking 59th in Wisconsin.
The county's primary vulnerabilities are related to climate impacts such as extreme events and precipitation, as well as social stressors and infectious diseases.
Areas of resilience include the county's infrastructure, baseline health, and social & economic factors.
Washington, Eau Claire County
Washington Livability Stats:
Suburban ● $$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: N/A ● Community Health: Average ● Outdoor Adventure
Living in the Town of Washington offers a mix of rural and suburban living, appealing to those who want a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the amenities of Eau Claire and Altoona. The community is located along the southern border of both cities.
The town is characterized by a variety of housing options, from rural subdivisions with large lots to more traditional suburban homes closer to the city limits. The landscape is a mix of residential areas, farms, and green spaces. Residents value the area for its natural beauty, quality neighborhoods, and low crime rate.
For recreation, residents can take advantage of nearby parks like Lowes Creek County Park, which offers extensive trails, and Beaver Creek Reserve, known for its trails and butterfly house. Additionally, Lake Altoona Park provides a boat launch and recreational facilities. The town's proximity to Eau Claire means residents can easily access a wider range of activities, including downtown events, shopping, and dining. The public schools in the area are highly rated.
Washington Climate Stats
Eau Claire County ranks 59th out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for overall climate vulnerability. This places it in the 20th national vulnerability percentile, indicating a lower overall vulnerability.
Key Vulnerabilities:
The report identifies several key areas where Eau Claire County has higher vulnerability:
Climate Impacts: The county ranks 43rd out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for vulnerability to environmental and economic disruptions from climate impacts. This places it in the 39th national vulnerability percentile.
Extreme Events: Historical and projected extreme weather event occurrences show a high vulnerability, ranking in the 77th national vulnerability percentile.
Precipitation: Vulnerability related to precipitation is high, ranking in the 72nd national vulnerability percentile.
Social Stressors: The county shows high vulnerability to social stressors, ranking in the 70th national vulnerability percentile.
Infectious Diseases: The vulnerability to infectious diseases is high, ranking in the 65th national vulnerability percentile.
Heat: Vulnerability related to temperature is a concern, ranking in the 64th national vulnerability percentile.
Areas of Relative Resilience
The report also highlights several areas where the community shows lower vulnerability:
Community Baseline: The county ranks 61st out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for resilience to climate impacts. This places it in the 16th national vulnerability percentile, indicating a very low vulnerability.
Infrastructure: Essential structures, services, and resources that affect community resilience show very low vulnerability, ranking in the 11th national vulnerability percentile.
Social & Economic (Climate Impacts): The social and economic costs and impacts associated with climate change also show very low vulnerability, ranking in the 13th national vulnerability percentile.
Health (Community Baseline): Factors reflecting the overall state of population health show low vulnerability, ranking in the 29th national vulnerability percentile.
Summary
Eau Claire County has a lower overall climate vulnerability, ranking 59th in Wisconsin.
The county's primary vulnerabilities are related to climate impacts such as extreme events and precipitation, as well as social stressors and infectious diseases.
Areas of resilience include the county's infrastructure, baseline health, and social & economic factors.
Menomonie, Dunn County
Menomonie Livability Stats:
Suburban ● $$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average
Menomonie Homes for Sale and Rent
Menomonie, Wisconsin, is a vibrant college town that offers a relaxed, small-city lifestyle with a strong connection to nature. Situated on the shores of Lake Menomin and surrounded by the scenic Chippewa River Valley, the area is a haven for outdoor activities, from water sports and hiking to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The city's cultural scene is enriched by the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, which contributes to a wide array of arts, music, and events, including the historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts.
The local economy and job market are primarily driven by healthcare and education, with major employers including Mayo Clinic Health System and UW-Stout. Other employment opportunities can be found in government, manufacturing, and various retail businesses. The combination of its natural beauty, a dynamic cultural scene, and a stable job market makes Menomonie an attractive and affordable place to live, offering a balanced lifestyle that appeals to both students and long-term residents.
Menomonie Climate Stats
Dunn County ranks 67th out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for overall climate vulnerability. The county's National Risk Index score is 61, which is considered "Relatively Low".
Key Vulnerabilities:
The report identifies several key areas where Dunn County has a higher vulnerability:
Tornado: The risk index rating for tornadoes is "Relatively High" with a score of 96.3.
Strong Wind: The risk index rating for strong winds is "Relatively High" with a score of 92.7.
Winter Weather: The risk index rating for winter weather is "Relatively High" with a score of 89.3.
Heat Wave: The risk index rating for heat waves is "Relatively Moderate" with a score of 82.6.
Riverine Flooding: The risk index rating for riverine flooding is "Relatively Moderate" with a score of 89.4.
Pollution Sources: The Toledo tract has a vulnerability related to pollution sources, but specific numerical rankings are not provided in this summary document.
Mental Health & Deaths of Despair: This is a key area of concern for the tract, but specific numerical rankings are not provided in the report.
Areas of Relative Resilience
The report also highlights several areas where the community shows lower vulnerability:
Community Resilience: The community resilience in Dunn County is "Very High" with a score of 95.9.
Health (Community Baseline): Factors reflecting the overall state of population health are noted as areas of relative resilience for the tract, but specific numerical rankings are not provided.
Infrastructure: The county's infrastructure is a significant strength, but specific numerical rankings are not provided for the tract.
Social & Economic (Climate Impacts): The social and economic costs and impacts associated with climate change are noted as areas of relative resilience for the tract, but specific numerical rankings are not provided.
Summary
Dunn County has a lower overall climate vulnerability, ranking 67th in Wisconsin.
The most significant vulnerabilities for the county are related to
climate impacts such as tornadoes, strong winds, and winter weather.
Areas of resilience include the county's
community resilience, infrastructure, and social & economic factors.
Stevens Point, Portage County
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm and a vibrant community. The city has a dense suburban feel, with a variety of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and families are drawn to the area for its combination of affordability and amenities. The public schools in Stevens Point are generally considered above average. The economy is diverse, with major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
The city is situated on the Wisconsin River, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Green spaces are a significant feature of the community, with many well-maintained parks and a network of recreational trails. Stevens Point is also home to a variety of local businesses, breweries, and a farmers market, which contribute to a strong sense of community. The cost of living is generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between urban conveniences and a more relaxed pace of life.
Stevens Point Livability Stats:
Suburban ● $$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average
Stevens Point Climate Stats
Portage County ranks 57th out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for overall climate vulnerability. This places it in the 3rd national vulnerability percentile, indicating a very low overall vulnerability.
Key Vulnerabilities:
Portage County has higher vulnerability in the following areas:
Climate Impacts: The county ranks 31st out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for vulnerability to environmental and economic disruptions from climate impacts. This places it in the 10th national vulnerability percentile.
Top Drivers of Vulnerability: The report identifies specific drivers with higher vulnerability rankings:
Infectious Diseases: Ranks in the 90th national vulnerability percentile.
Precipitation: Ranks in the 87th national vulnerability percentile.
Social Stressors: Ranks in the 81st national vulnerability percentile.
Mental Health & Deaths of Despair: Ranks in the 92nd national vulnerability percentile.
Transportation Sources: Ranks in the 80th national vulnerability percentile.
Pollution Sources: Ranks in the 69th national vulnerability percentile.
Environment: Environmental factors that pose a threat to the community's well-being rank in the 52nd national vulnerability percentile.
Areas of Relative Resilience
The report highlights several areas where the community shows lower vulnerability:
Community Baseline: The county ranks 62nd out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for resilience to climate impacts, placing it in the 5th national vulnerability percentile.
Infrastructure: Essential structures, services, and resources that affect community resilience show very low vulnerability, ranking in the 4th national vulnerability percentile.
Social & Economic (Community Baseline): Social and economic stressors that impact community resilience rank in the 5th national vulnerability percentile.
Health (Community Baseline): Factors reflecting the overall state of population health show very low vulnerability, ranking in the 9th national vulnerability percentile.
Health (Climate Impacts): Expected changes in community health resulting from a warming climate rank in the 16th national vulnerability percentile.
Social & Economic (Climate Impacts): The social and economic costs and impacts associated with climate change also show low vulnerability, ranking in the 45th national vulnerability percentile.
Summary
Portage County has a low overall climate vulnerability, ranking 57th in Wisconsin.
The county's main vulnerabilities are linked to specific factors such as infectious diseases, mental health, precipitation, and pollution sources.
Areas of high resilience for the county include infrastructure, the community baseline, and baseline health.
We have put together a comprehensive guide for Wisconsin that includes:
Modeling data about climate risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths;
Political Context and Competitiveness;
Community Overview of the Region and Neighborhoods;
Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; diversified economy with growing opportunities;
Schools and Education;
Civic Engagement Opportunities, including political, community and advocacy organizations.
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Why WI-03 Represents the Future
Wisconsin 3rd Congressional District embodies the kind of place where you can find some stability in a changing environment.
The climate is less vulnerable than much of the country.
Your vote genuinely matters in one of the nation's most competitive districts
Your voice can influence policy through accessible local government and civic engagement
Your life can flourish with affordable living, economic opportunity, and community connection
Your presence helps build the inclusive, competitive democracy we all need
This isn't just a place to find refuge—it's a place to build the future.