Median Income
$65,357
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,500
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
212/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.2%
239% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How Catawba Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population176
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density40/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans1.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$65,357
Per Capita$22,090
Unemployment12.2%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$743M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,500
Ownership93.9%
Zillow$155,186
Housing Units88
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent212/100K
Property3,255/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.4%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,531 ft (467 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+75.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute16 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Catawba a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Catawba receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Catawba has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Catawba is $65,357, 13% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Catawba is $55,500, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Catawba is below the national average at 212 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,255 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
Education
3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Catawba has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Catawba has a population of 176 with a density of 40 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54% female and 46% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 1.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 38.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Catawba is $65,357, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,090 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $940, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 434 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,357 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,090 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $940 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,829 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.2% |
| 239% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 434 |
| County GDP | $743M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,067 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Catawba is $55,500, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,186, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 88 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,067 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,500 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $155,186 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.1% |
| Housing Units | 88 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,067 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.33% |
In Catawba, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 30.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,013. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Catawba vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.5% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,013 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,007 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Catawba has a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,255 per 100,000, 66% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Catawba receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Catawba vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 212.3/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,255.5/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Catawba has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,531 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,531 ft (467 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 40/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5371°N, 90.5335°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Price County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
218 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 225 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1997 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1996 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
43 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Catawba has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 12°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Catawba. 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 Catawba
What is the population of Catawba?
Catawba has a population of 176 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 40 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54% female and 46% male.
Is Catawba expensive to live in?
Catawba 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 $65,357, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,500 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Catawba safe?
Catawba is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,255 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Catawba receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Catawba?
Catawba has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Catawba?
The job market in Catawba faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $940. There are 434 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Catawba?
The median home value in Catawba is $55,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,186. The homeownership rate is 93.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,067.
How are the schools in Catawba?
Schools in Catawba score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.5% of adults in Catawba hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Catawba?
The obesity rate in Catawba is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 30.5% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,025.
What is transportation like in Catawba?
The average commute in Catawba is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Catawba?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Catawba is 88.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 1.7% of the population are military veterans. 38.5% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
