Median Income
$73,333
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,900
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
279/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Cataract Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population174
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density295/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans17.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,333
Per Capita$32,543
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$1,372M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,900
Rent$850
Ownership76.4%
Zillow$267,998
Housing Units73
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent279/100K
Property1,892/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking15.3%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation872 ft (266 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute22 min
Broadband72.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Cataract a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cataract receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 high obesity rates. Cataract offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cataract is $73,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cataract is $147,900, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cataract is below the national average at 279 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,892 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Cataract has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Cataract has a population of 174 with a density of 295 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 6.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Cataract is $73,333, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,543 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 488 business establishments, including 61 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). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,333 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,543 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,373 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 488 |
| County GDP | $1,372M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,761 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Cataract is $147,900, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,998, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 76.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,761 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,900 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $267,998 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.6% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,761 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Cataract, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,603. 39.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cataract vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,603 |
| Mental Health | 1:579 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,145/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Cataract has a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,892 per 100,000, 3% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cataract receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cataract vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 279.1/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,891.9/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cataract has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°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 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 872 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 872 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 295/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0867°N, 90.8384°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
286 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 228 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
83 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
53 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
63 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
54 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
62 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
54 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
62 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
51 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
52 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Cataract has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Cataract. 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 Cataract
What is the population of Cataract?
Cataract has a population of 174 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 295 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Cataract expensive to live in?
Cataract 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 $73,333, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,900 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cataract safe?
Cataract is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,892 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cataract receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cataract?
Cataract has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Cataract?
The job market in Cataract is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 488 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cataract?
The median home value in Cataract is $147,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,998. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,761.
How are the schools in Cataract?
Schools in Cataract score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Cataract hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cataract?
The obesity rate in Cataract is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 39.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112.
What is transportation like in Cataract?
The average commute in Cataract is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cataract?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cataract is 93.7% White, 6.3% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
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