Median Income
$75,724
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.3%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$767
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Bancroft Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population623
Median Age33.9 yrs
Density122/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,724
Per Capita$27,059
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty9.9%
County GDP$5,836M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$767
Ownership88.8%
Zillow$245,890
Housing Units220
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,063/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured12.5%
Smoking13.7%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,095 ft (334 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.3%
High School+78.8%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute21 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations7
Libraries5
Is Bancroft a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bancroft receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Bancroft offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bancroft is $75,724, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bancroft is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bancroft is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,063 per 100,000, 46% below the national average.
Education
16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bancroft 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 34.3 inches, including 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bancroft has a population of 623 with a density of 122 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 33.9 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly White (64.4%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 64.9% of residents, while 35.1% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.9yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
64.9%
17% below US avg
Spanish
35.1%
162% above US avg
The median household income in Bancroft is $75,724, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,059 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,724 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,059 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% 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 | 5.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Bancroft is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,890, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $767 (34% 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. 88.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 220 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,890 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $767 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.2% |
| Housing Units | 220 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.55% |
In Bancroft, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: Bancroft vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 12.5% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,202 |
| Dentists | 1:1,360 |
| Mental Health | 1:602 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Bancroft has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,063 per 100,000, 46% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bancroft receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Bancroft vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,062.6/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Bancroft 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 34.3 inches. The area receives 43.1 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 1,095 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,095 ft (334 m) |
| Area | 5.0 sq mi (13.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 122/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3086°N, 89.5062°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Portage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
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 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
415 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 358 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
60 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
17 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
68 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 |
29 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
46 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
56 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
47 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
59 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
55 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
48 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
58 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Bancroft has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Bancroft. 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 Bancroft
What is the population of Bancroft?
Bancroft has a population of 623 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 122 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Bancroft expensive to live in?
Bancroft 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 $75,724, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $767 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bancroft safe?
Bancroft is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,063 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bancroft receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bancroft?
Bancroft 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 34.3 inches, with 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bancroft?
The job market in Bancroft is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / 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 21 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bancroft?
The median home value in Bancroft is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,890. For renters, the median monthly rent is $767. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Bancroft?
Schools in Bancroft score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.3% of adults in Bancroft hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bancroft?
The obesity rate in Bancroft is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 12.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202.
What is transportation like in Bancroft?
The average commute in Bancroft is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bancroft?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bancroft is 64.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 64.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 35.1% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
