Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,900
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$399
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Birchwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population404
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density374/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$34,062
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$800M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,900
Rent$399
Ownership63.3%
Zillow$330,613
Housing Units207
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property462/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary231/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.3%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,253 ft (382 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute20 min
Broadband84.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Birchwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Birchwood receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 below-average incomes. Birchwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Birchwood is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 5.6% 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 Birchwood is $146,900, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $399 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Birchwood 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 462 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Birchwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.6 inches, including 55.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Birchwood has a population of 404 with a density of 374 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Birchwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Birchwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Birchwood is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,062 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 611 business establishments, including 73 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). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Birchwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,062 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,050 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 611 |
| County GDP | $800M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,359 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.7% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Birchwood is $146,900, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,613, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $399 (66% 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. 63.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 207 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,359 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,900 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $330,613 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $399 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Housing Units | 207 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,359 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
In Birchwood, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047. The dentist ratio is 1:2,416. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Birchwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,047 |
| Dentists | 1:2,416 |
| Mental Health | 1:677 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,092/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Birchwood has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 462 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 231, burglary at 231, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Birchwood receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Birchwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 461.9/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 231.0/100K |
| Theft | 231.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Birchwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°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 31.6 inches. The area receives 55.7 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 1,253 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,253 ft (382 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 374/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6577°N, 91.5506°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washburn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.6"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
214 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 275 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1990 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Birchwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Birchwood. 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 Birchwood
What is the population of Birchwood?
Birchwood has a population of 404 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 374 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Birchwood expensive to live in?
Birchwood 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,900 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $399 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Birchwood safe?
Birchwood 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 462 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Birchwood receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Birchwood?
Birchwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.6 inches, with 55.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Birchwood?
The job market in Birchwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 611 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Birchwood?
The median home value in Birchwood is $146,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,613. For renters, the median monthly rent is $399. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,359.
How are the schools in Birchwood?
Schools in Birchwood score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.0% of adults in Birchwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Birchwood?
The obesity rate in Birchwood is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047.
What is transportation like in Birchwood?
The average commute in Birchwood is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.7% use public transit, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Birchwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Birchwood is 95.8% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
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