Median Income
$48,468
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$188,600
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
414/100K
9% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,063
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Balsam Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population819
Median Age50.6 yrs
Density367/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,468
Per Capita$33,205
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$2,185M
Commute25 min
Housing
A
Home Value$188,600
Rent$1,063
Ownership82.7%
Zillow$398,059
Housing Units612
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent414/100K
Property1,965/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault207/100K
Burglary414/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.0%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,147 ft (350 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute25 min
Broadband77.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Balsam Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Balsam Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Balsam Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Balsam Lake is $48,468, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Balsam Lake is $188,600, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 414 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,965 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Balsam Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°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 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Balsam Lake has a population of 819 with a density of 367 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 50.6 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.6yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Balsam Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Balsam Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Balsam Lake is $48,468, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,205 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,311 business establishments, including 136 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Balsam Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,468 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,205 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,536 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,311 |
| County GDP | $2,185M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 136 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 164 |
| Manufacturing | 95 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Balsam Lake is $188,600, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $398,059, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,063 (9% 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. 82.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 612 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $5,702 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $188,600 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $398,059 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,063 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.3% |
| Housing Units | 612 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Balsam Lake, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262. The dentist ratio is 1:1,693. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Balsam Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,262 |
| Dentists | 1:1,693 |
| Mental Health | 1:462 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,642/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Balsam Lake has a violent crime rate of 414 per 100,000 residents, 9% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 206.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 206.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,965 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,344, burglary at 414, vehicle theft at 207 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Balsam Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Balsam Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 413.7/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 206.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 206.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,964.8/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
| Burglary | 413.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,344.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 206.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Balsam Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 13°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 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,147 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,147 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 367/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4620°N, 92.4471°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
326 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 51 fatalities, 844 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
63 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
6 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
15 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNITS 37 38 39 A (4,879 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
97 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
98 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
UNIT 16 |
1,570 |
99 km |
| 1992 |
UNIT 25 |
1,460 |
97 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Balsam Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Balsam Lake. 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 Balsam Lake
What is the population of Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake has a population of 819 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 367 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Balsam Lake expensive to live in?
Balsam Lake 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 $48,468, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $188,600 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Balsam Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Balsam Lake is 414 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 1,965 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Balsam Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°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 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 1,311 business establishments in the area, including 136 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Balsam Lake?
The median home value in Balsam Lake is $188,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $398,059. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,063. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,702.
How are the schools in Balsam Lake?
Schools in Balsam Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Balsam Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Balsam Lake?
The obesity rate in Balsam Lake is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262.
What is transportation like in Balsam Lake?
The average commute in Balsam Lake is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Balsam Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Balsam Lake is 93.8% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
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