Median Income
$40,117
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,300
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
454/100K
19% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$682
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Appleton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,360
Median Age51.6 yrs
Density720/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,117
Per Capita$27,251
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$336M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,300
Rent$682
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$79,730
Housing Units773
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent454/100K
Property2,874/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault454/100K
Burglary303/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking19.0%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,006 ft (307 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute29 min
Broadband70.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Appleton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Appleton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Appleton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Appleton is $40,117, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Appleton is $71,300, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $682 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 454 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,874 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Appleton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 43.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Appleton has a population of 1,360 with a density of 720 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 51.6 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (82.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
The median household income in Appleton is $40,117, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,251 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,026, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 221 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,117 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,251 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,026 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,920 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 221 |
| County GDP | $336M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Appleton is $71,300, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,730, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $682 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 773 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $2,260 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,300 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $79,730 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $682 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 773 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.17% |
In Appleton, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:572. The dentist ratio is 1:2,572. 6.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Appleton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:572 |
| Dentists | 1:2,572 |
| Mental Health | 1:729 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,304/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Appleton has a violent crime rate of 454 per 100,000 residents, 19% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 453.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,874 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,269, burglary at 303, vehicle theft at 303 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Appleton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Appleton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 453.9/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 453.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,874.4/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
| Burglary | 302.6/100K |
| Theft | 2,269.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 302.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Appleton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,006 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,006 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 720/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1995°N, 96.0222°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Big Stone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML) 53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
57 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
93 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
450 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 94 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
17 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
6 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
26 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
28 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
28 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
23 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
23 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
26 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
23 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
27 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
24 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
28 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
29 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
17 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
Appleton has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and December the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Appleton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Appleton
What is the population of Appleton?
Appleton has a population of 1,360 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 720 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Appleton expensive to live in?
Appleton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $40,117, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,300 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $682 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Appleton safe?
The violent crime rate in Appleton is 454 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 2,874 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Appleton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Appleton?
Appleton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 43.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Appleton?
The job market in Appleton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,026. There are 221 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Appleton?
The median home value in Appleton is $71,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,730. For renters, the median monthly rent is $682. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,260.
How are the schools in Appleton?
Schools in Appleton score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Appleton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Appleton?
The obesity rate in Appleton is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 6.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:572.
What is transportation like in Appleton?
The average commute in Appleton is 29 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Appleton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Appleton is 82.4% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.