Median Income
$50,000
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,800
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
88/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.2%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$584
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Birnamwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population688
Median Age52.2 yrs
Density313/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,000
Per Capita$31,520
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$11,882M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,800
Rent$584
Ownership61.6%
Zillow$255,971
Housing Units333
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent88/100K
Property5,093/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking18.2%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,301 ft (397 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.2%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute25 min
Broadband74.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Birnamwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Birnamwood receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Birnamwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Birnamwood is $50,000, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Birnamwood is $134,800, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $584 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Birnamwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,093 per 100,000, 160% above the national average.
Education
10.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Birnamwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°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 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Birnamwood has a population of 688 with a density of 313 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 52.2 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.2yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Birnamwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Birnamwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Birnamwood is $50,000, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,520 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,115, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,960 business establishments, including 329 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. 9.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Birnamwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,000 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,520 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,115 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,960 |
| County GDP | $11,882M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 329 |
| Healthcare | 424 |
| Retail | 428 |
| Manufacturing | 239 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,413 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
The median home value in Birnamwood is $134,800, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,971, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $584 (50% 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. 61.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 333 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $6,413 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,800 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $255,971 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $584 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.4% |
| Housing Units | 333 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,413 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.76% |
In Birnamwood, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.5% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,059. The dentist ratio is 1:1,327. 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Birnamwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,059 |
| Dentists | 1:1,327 |
| Mental Health | 1:411 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,974/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 424 |
Birnamwood has a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,093 per 100,000, 160% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Birnamwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Birnamwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 88.0/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,093.1/100K |
| 160% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Birnamwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°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 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,301 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.3°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,301 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 313/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9319°N, 89.2095°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marathon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.0"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0454 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
264 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 138 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1997 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Birnamwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 15°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Birnamwood. 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 Birnamwood
What is the population of Birnamwood?
Birnamwood has a population of 688 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 313 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Birnamwood expensive to live in?
Birnamwood 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 $50,000, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,800 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $584 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Birnamwood safe?
Birnamwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 88 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,093 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Birnamwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Birnamwood?
Birnamwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Birnamwood?
The job market in Birnamwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,115. There are 3,960 business establishments in the area, including 329 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 9.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Birnamwood?
The median home value in Birnamwood is $134,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,971. For renters, the median monthly rent is $584. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,413.
How are the schools in Birnamwood?
Schools in Birnamwood score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.2% of adults in Birnamwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Birnamwood?
The obesity rate in Birnamwood is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,059.
What is transportation like in Birnamwood?
The average commute in Birnamwood is 25 minutes. 80.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Birnamwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Birnamwood is 92.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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