Median Income
$44,688
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
91/100K
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$597
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Bruce Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population851
Median Age32.0 yrs
Density368/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,688
Per Capita$20,034
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$727M
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$597
Ownership68.1%
Zillow$208,510
Housing Units333
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent91/100K
Property2,257/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,099 ft (335 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute39 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Bruce a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bruce receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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, long commute times, high obesity rates. Bruce has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bruce is $44,688, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bruce is $100,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $597 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
Bruce is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,257 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bruce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 14°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 34.2 inches, including 49.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bruce has a population of 851 with a density of 368 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 32.0 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.0yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
The median household income in Bruce is $44,688, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,034 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $886, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 386 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,688 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,034 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $886 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,909 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 386 |
| County GDP | $727M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,580 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Bruce is $100,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,510, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $597 (49% 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. 68.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 333 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,580 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% 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 | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,510 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $597 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.9% |
| Housing Units | 333 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,580 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.58% |
In Bruce, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,018. The dentist ratio is 1:1,419. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bruce vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,018 |
| Dentists | 1:1,419 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,153/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Bruce has a violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,257 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bruce receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bruce vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 91.5/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,256.8/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bruce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 14°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 34.2 inches. The area receives 49.4 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 1,099 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.4°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,099 ft (335 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 368/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4635°N, 91.2793°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rusk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
232 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 286 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
77 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1990 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Bruce has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Bruce. 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 Bruce
What is the population of Bruce?
Bruce has a population of 851 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 368 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Bruce expensive to live in?
Bruce 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 $44,688, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $597 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 Bruce safe?
Bruce is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,257 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bruce receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bruce?
Bruce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 34.2 inches, with 49.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bruce?
Bruce has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $886. There are 386 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bruce?
The median home value in Bruce is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,510. For renters, the median monthly rent is $597. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,580.
How are the schools in Bruce?
Schools in Bruce score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.0% of adults in Bruce hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bruce?
The obesity rate in Bruce is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,018.
What is transportation like in Bruce?
The average commute in Bruce is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bruce?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bruce is 93.7% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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