Median Income
$72,667
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$268,500
5% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.3%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$867
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Black Earth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,724
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density2,052/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,667
Per Capita$35,806
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$62,806M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$268,500
Rent$867
Ownership89.5%
Zillow$370,034
Housing Units688
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property651/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking13.1%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation823 ft (251 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.3%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.33
Community
2024 VoteR 23% / D 75%
Commute25 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries27
Is Black Earth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Black Earth receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Black Earth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Black Earth is $72,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 3.5% 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 Black Earth is $268,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Black Earth 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 651 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Black Earth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches, including 30.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Black Earth has a population of 1,724 with a density of 2,052 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Black Earth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Black Earth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Black Earth is $72,667, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,806. The average weekly wage is $1,432. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 18,084 business establishments, including 1,425 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. 19.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Black Earth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,667 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,806 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,432 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $103,538 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 18,084 |
| County GDP | $62,806M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,425 |
| Healthcare | 1,603 |
| Retail | 1,634 |
| Manufacturing | 517 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,743 |
| 150% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.0% |
The median home value in Black Earth is $268,500, 5% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $370,034, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $867 (25% 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. 89.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 688 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $8,743 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $268,500 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $370,034 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $867 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.5% |
| Housing Units | 688 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,743 |
| 150% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Black Earth, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.0% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:781. The dentist ratio is 1:1,328. 94.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Black Earth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 29.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:781 |
| Dentists | 1:1,328 |
| Mental Health | 1:197 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,427/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,603 |
Black Earth has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 651 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 34 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Black Earth receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Black Earth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 651.1/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Black Earth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. The area receives 30.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 823 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 823 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,052/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1346°N, 89.7474°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dane County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0501 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
521 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 551 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
26 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
24 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SOMMERS (938 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
27 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Black Earth has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Black Earth. 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 | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Earth
What is the population of Black Earth?
Black Earth has a population of 1,724 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 2,052 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Black Earth expensive to live in?
Black Earth 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 $72,667, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $268,500 (5% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Black Earth safe?
Black Earth 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 651 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Black Earth receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Black Earth?
Black Earth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches, with 30.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Black Earth?
The job market in Black Earth is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,432. There are 18,084 business establishments in the area, including 1,425 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 19.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Black Earth?
The median home value in Black Earth is $268,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $370,034. For renters, the median monthly rent is $867. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,743.
How are the schools in Black Earth?
Schools in Black Earth score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.3% of adults in Black Earth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Black Earth?
The obesity rate in Black Earth is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 94.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:781.
What is transportation like in Black Earth?
The average commute in Black Earth is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Black Earth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Black Earth is 93.9% White. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.