Wisconsin Rapids, the county seat of Wood County, is situated in the geographical center of the State. The city is a consolidation of the two early towns of Grand Rapids and Centralia; the former lying on the east side of the Wisconsin River, the latter on the west.
"Rapids." We are pleased to have Ocean Spray completing a huge expansion to make "Craisins" in our West Side Industrial Park. And we also have Urban Processing, a family owned specialty cranberry products business that is also a contributor to our economic base.
The beautiful Wisconsin River runs through our community, offering recreational opportunities all year long. Each season brings additional activities such as the "Grand Old Christmas" which is held the night after Thanksgiving. The Fourth of July in Wisconsin Rapids expands our population by as many as 15,000 people. Our City is well known for having the best fireworks display in the area. It is an all day event that allows families to gather along the river for a picnic and then have a great evening viewing the fireworks over the Wisconsin River. In September, we have the "Grand Affair" that features our downtown and all that it has to offer the visitor and those who live in our city. There are cultural events, vendors of all kinds, and a restored car show.
Regardless of how you choose to experience it, our area will provide you with an abundance of opportunities to live, play and work.
Wisconsin Rapids is known for its fine educational system. Its school buildings are all modern. There are 16 public and parochial grade schools, two junior high, and two high schools - Lincoln public and Assumption parochial. There is an excellent school for vocational, adult and technical education, which is the central school for District 14. Mid-State Technical College also conducts evening courses during the fall and winter months.
Mid-State Technical College provides a dynamic learning environment to educate, train, and retrain students. With nearly 50 career programs offered at MSTC (associate degree, technical diplomas, certificates) you are certain to find an area of academic interest or an area where there is an overwhelming demand for employees. Either way, MSTC is your key to pursuing a promising career. In addition, a full range of services is available to students including financial aid, counseling and advising, clubs, HSED instruction, career exploration, and support services for persons with disabilities. Three campuses, Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, and Stevens Point, one center, and additional outreach sites are all part of our quality educational system.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $96,149
Demographics
Population in July 2007: 17,493. Wisconsin Rapids covers 13.9 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 1,028 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 54494, 54495 - Area code: 715
Weather
Wisconsin Rapids, WI climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and extremely cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 10's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 82.20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 3.90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 24 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Wisconsin Rapids is 32.42 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is August with an average rainfall of 4.29 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
