Median Income
$41,917
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,200
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
477/100K
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$701
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Adams Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,144
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density727/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,917
Per Capita$22,013
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$761M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,200
Rent$701
Ownership51.3%
Zillow$193,104
Housing Units983
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent477/100K
Property3,552/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault106/100K
Burglary212/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking21.6%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation966 ft (294 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score4.64
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 35%
Commute26 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Adams a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Adams receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Adams has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Adams is $41,917, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Adams is $101,200, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $701 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 477 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,552 per 100,000, 81% above the national average.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Adams has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches, including 52.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Adams has a population of 2,144 with a density of 727 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Adams is $41,917, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,013 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $895, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 444 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,917 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,013 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,083 |
| Gini Index | 0.418 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 444 |
| County GDP | $761M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,442 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Adams is $101,200, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,104, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $701 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $818 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 983 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,442 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,200 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,104 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $701 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $767 |
| 1 Bedroom | $818 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,236 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,288 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.7% |
| Housing Units | 983 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,442 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.38% |
In Adams, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 21.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 34.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,437. The dentist ratio is 1:10,613. 45.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Adams vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.6% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.2% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,437 |
| Dentists | 1:10,613 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,341 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 56.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,056/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Adams has a violent crime rate of 477 per 100,000 residents, 26% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 106.0 per 100,000, robbery at 53.0, rape at 318.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,552 per 100,000, 81% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,181, burglary at 212, vehicle theft at 159 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Adams receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Adams vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 477.2/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 318.1/100K |
| Robbery | 53.0/100K |
| Assault | 106.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,552.5/100K |
| 81% above US avg |
| Burglary | 212.1/100K |
| Theft | 3,181.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 159.1/100K |
| Arson | 53.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Adams has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches. The area receives 52.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 966 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 966 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 727/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9552°N, 89.8165°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.1"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
393 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 422 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
31 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
68 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
59 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
18 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
37 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
38 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
36 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
38 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
38 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
30 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
36 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
38 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
33 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
38 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
31 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
29 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
33 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
36 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
33 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
36 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Adams has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Adams. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Adams
What is the population of Adams?
Adams has a population of 2,144 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 727 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Adams expensive to live in?
Adams is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,917, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,200 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $701 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Adams safe?
The violent crime rate in Adams is 477 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,552 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Adams receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Adams?
Adams has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.1 inches, with 52.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Adams?
The unemployment rate in Adams is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $895. There are 444 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Adams?
The median home value in Adams is $101,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,104. For renters, the median monthly rent is $701. Fair market rent is $818 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,442.
How are the schools in Adams?
Schools in Adams have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.7% of adults in Adams hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Adams?
The obesity rate in Adams is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.6% of adults are smokers. 34.2% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,437.
What is transportation like in Adams?
The average commute in Adams is 26 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Adams?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Adams is 92% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 27.3% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
