Cataract, WI — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $73,333

2% lower than US avg

Home Value $147,900

48% 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

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

OwnershipN/A

Housing Units73

Rent Burden27.5%

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

Bachelor's+16.7%

High School+90.2%

Graduate+6.0%

School Score5.81

Community

2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%

Commute22 min

Broadband72.0%

Libraries2

Is Cataract a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cataract receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, 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.

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 5.8/10.

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

174

Total Population

295

People / sq mi

38.3yrs

Median Age

2% below US avg

0.6mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 55.7%

Female 44.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Cataract vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	100.0%
	27% above US avg
Spanish	0.0%
	100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Cataract vs U.S. Average

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: Cataract vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$73,333
	2% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$32,543
Avg Weekly Wage	$971
IRS Avg AGI	$59,373

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%

Walkability

The median home value in Cataract is $147,900, 48% below the national median of $281,900. 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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$147,900
	48% below US avg

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

Owner-Occupied	76.4%
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 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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	35.6 inches
	6% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median	38.0
Rating	Good

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
County FIPS	55053

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").

Cataract is located in Jackson County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent, a rural community. 16.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 50% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.8 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 59.1% of the vote, a 19.5-point margin. 72.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 49 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 91.1% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 59.1%

D 39.6%

Winner: Republican by 19.5 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	16.7%
	50% below US avg
High School+	90.2%
Graduate Degree+	6.0%
School Test Score	5.81

C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 8	Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent
Population Density	295/sq mi
Total Area	0.6 sq mi
County	Jackson County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	72.0%
Public Libraries	2
Healthcare Facilities	49
Restaurants	61
Retail Stores	56

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	5

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	22.2 min
Drive Alone	91.1%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	2.7%

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.

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. 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 average annual property tax is $5,761.

How are the schools in Cataract?

Schools in Cataract score 5.8 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.

Nearby Cities

Sparta, WI 9,921 pop · 10.3 mi Black River Falls, WI 3,514 pop · 14.6 mi Bangor, WI 1,409 pop · 15.4 mi West Salem, WI 5,268 pop · 18.0 mi Tomah, WI 9,505 pop · 18.1 mi Holmen, WI 11,027 pop · 22.7 mi Onalaska, WI 18,909 pop · 22.7 mi Cashton, WI 1,243 pop · 24.0 mi Brice Prairie, WI 1,858 pop · 25.5 mi Galesville, WI 1,740 pop · 25.8 mi French Island, WI 4,235 pop · 26.3 mi La Crosse, WI 51,791 pop · 26.4 mi Blair, WI 1,169 pop · 28.2 mi La Crescent, MN 5,266 pop · 29.2 mi

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