Median Income
$56,830
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,800
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
157/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$685
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Blue River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population484
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density532/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,830
Per Capita$27,519
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$1,004M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,800
Rent$685
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$227,651
Housing Units278
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent157/100K
Property1,472/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking18.5%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation675 ft (206 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Blue River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blue River 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. Blue River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blue River is $56,830, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blue River is $123,800, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $685 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Blue River is below the national average at 157 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,472 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Blue River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Blue River has a population of 484 with a density of 532 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blue River 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
Blue River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Blue River is $56,830, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,519 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $900, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (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 542 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Blue River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,830 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,519 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,197 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 542 |
| County GDP | $1,004M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 52 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,543 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Blue River is $123,800, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $227,651, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $685 (41% 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. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 278 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $5,543 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,800 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $227,651 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $165 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $685 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 278 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,543 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.48% |
In Blue River, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,324. The dentist ratio is 1:1,899. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Blue River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,324 |
| Dentists | 1:1,899 |
| Mental Health | 1:661 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,313/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 52 |
Blue River has a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,472 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Blue River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Blue River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.6/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,472.4/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Blue River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 675 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 675 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 532/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1844°N, 90.5718°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.9"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
389 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 480 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
54 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Blue River has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Blue River. 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 Blue River
What is the population of Blue River?
Blue River has a population of 484 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 532 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Blue River expensive to live in?
Blue River 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 $56,830, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,800 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $685 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Blue River safe?
Blue River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,472 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Blue River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Blue River?
Blue River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Blue River?
The job market in Blue River is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $900. There are 542 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Blue River?
The median home value in Blue River is $123,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $227,651. For renters, the median monthly rent is $685. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,543.
How are the schools in Blue River?
Schools in Blue River score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in Blue River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Blue River?
The obesity rate in Blue River is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,324.
What is transportation like in Blue River?
The average commute in Blue River is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Blue River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Blue River is 93.6% White, 1% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
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