Median Income
$51,875
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$54,200
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
382/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$469
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.4%
48% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.8%
173% higher than US avg
How Birch Hill Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population279
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density450/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$51,875
Per Capita$21,142
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty33.8%
County GDP$929M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$54,200
Rent$469
Ownership29.3%
Zillow$133,029
Housing Units125
Rent Burden11.3%
Crime
F
Violent382/100K
Property4,453/100K
Health
Obesity47.4%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking25.1%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,080 ft (329 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute21 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Birch Hill a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Birch Hill receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Birch Hill offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Birch Hill is $51,875, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 33.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Birch Hill is $54,200, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $469 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,453 per 100,000, 127% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Birch Hill has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Birch Hill has a population of 279 with a density of 450 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.8%), with 3.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.7% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Birch Hill vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.7%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.3%
38% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Birch Hill vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Birch Hill is $51,875, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,142 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 33.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 627 business establishments, including 66 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). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Birch Hill vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,875 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,142 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,769 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.8% |
| 173% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 627 |
| County GDP | $929M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,239 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.0% |
| Public Transit | 22.6% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Birch Hill is $54,200, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,029, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $469 (60% 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. 29.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 125 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $5,239 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 11.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,200 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,029 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $469 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 29.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Housing Units | 125 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,239 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.67% |
In Birch Hill, 47.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 25.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 35.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:575. The dentist ratio is 1:1,458. 68.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Birch Hill vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.4% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 14.5% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.1% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.6% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:575 |
| Dentists | 1:1,458 |
| Mental Health | 1:244 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,410/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Birch Hill has a violent crime rate of 382 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,453 per 100,000, 127% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Birch Hill receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Birch Hill vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 382.4/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,452.9/100K |
| 127% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Birch Hill has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,080 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,080 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 450/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5208°N, 90.5555°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ashland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
81 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0375 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
57 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 50 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1961 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1958 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2005 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2001 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1993 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
57 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
53 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
54 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
57 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK J RX |
911 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
57 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Birch Hill has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 13°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Birch Hill. 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 | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Hill
What is the population of Birch Hill?
Birch Hill has a population of 279 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 450 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Birch Hill expensive to live in?
Birch Hill 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 $51,875, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $54,200 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $469 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Birch Hill safe?
The violent crime rate in Birch Hill is 382 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 4,453 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Birch Hill receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Birch Hill?
Birch Hill has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Birch Hill?
The job market in Birch Hill is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 627 business establishments in the area, including 66 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Birch Hill?
The median home value in Birch Hill is $54,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,029. For renters, the median monthly rent is $469. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 29.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,239.
How are the schools in Birch Hill?
Schools in Birch Hill score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Birch Hill hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Birch Hill?
The obesity rate in Birch Hill is 47.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.1% of adults are smokers. 35.6% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:575.
What is transportation like in Birch Hill?
The average commute in Birch Hill is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74% of workers drive alone to work, 22.6% use public transit, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Birch Hill?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Birch Hill is 3.2% White, 96.8% Hispanic or Latino. 91.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
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