Median Income
$56,833
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,000
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
415/100K
9% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.8%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$829
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Amherst Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,033
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density771/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,833
Per Capita$37,068
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$5,836M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,000
Rent$829
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$340,740
Housing Units526
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent415/100K
Property4,286/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking14.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,077 ft (328 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.8%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute20 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Amherst a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Amherst receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Amherst offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Amherst is $56,833, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Amherst is $218,000, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 415 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,286 per 100,000, 119% above the national average.
Education
27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Amherst has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Amherst has a population of 1,033 with a density of 771 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Amherst is $56,833, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,068. The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,939 business establishments, including 217 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,833 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,068 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,939 |
| County GDP | $5,836M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 217 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 206 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Amherst is $218,000, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,740, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $829 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 526 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,000 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $340,740 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $829 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 526 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.87% |
In Amherst, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202. The dentist ratio is 1:1,360. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Amherst vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,202 |
| Dentists | 1:1,360 |
| Mental Health | 1:602 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Amherst has a violent crime rate of 415 per 100,000 residents, 9% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,286 per 100,000, 119% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Amherst receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Amherst vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 415.3/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,285.7/100K |
| 119% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Amherst has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 49.3 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 1,077 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,077 ft (328 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 771/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4483°N, 89.2817°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Portage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| 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 Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
410 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 309 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
63 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
13 km |
6 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
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 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
78 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
68 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
80 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Amherst has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Amherst. 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amherst
What is the population of Amherst?
Amherst has a population of 1,033 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 771 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Amherst expensive to live in?
Amherst 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 $56,833, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,000 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Amherst safe?
The violent crime rate in Amherst is 415 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 4,286 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Amherst receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Amherst?
Amherst 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 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Amherst?
The job market in Amherst is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,939 business establishments in the area, including 217 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Amherst?
The median home value in Amherst is $218,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $340,740. For renters, the median monthly rent is $829. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Amherst?
Schools in Amherst score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.8% of adults in Amherst hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Amherst?
The obesity rate in Amherst is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202.
What is transportation like in Amherst?
The average commute in Amherst is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Amherst?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst is 97.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
