Median Income
$40,938
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
111/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
39.1%
215% higher than US avg
How Chelsea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population80
Median Age53.5 yrs
Density174/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans58.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$40,938
Per Capita$13,499
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty39.1%
County GDP$1,109M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,300
Ownership84.0%
Zillow$210,762
Housing Units29
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
C
Violent111/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.5%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,533 ft (467 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+83.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband25.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Chelsea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chelsea receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Chelsea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chelsea is $40,938, 46% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 39.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chelsea is $106,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Chelsea is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Chelsea has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°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 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Chelsea has a population of 80 with a density of 174 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 53.5 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 58.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.5yrs
Median Age
38% above 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 Chelsea is $40,938, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,499 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 39.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 538 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,938 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,499 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 39.1% |
| 215% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 538 |
| County GDP | $1,109M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Chelsea is $106,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,762, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 29 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,657 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $210,762 |
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 | 84.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.0% |
| Housing Units | 29 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.38% |
In Chelsea, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,985 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:802 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,980/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Chelsea has a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 111.4/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Chelsea has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°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 57.0 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 1,533 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-11°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,533 ft (467 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 174/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2929°N, 90.3054°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
65 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 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0438 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.2 / 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 Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
240 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 239 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
96 km |
4 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-11°C) |
1.1 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) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Chelsea has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 11°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Chelsea. 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 Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea?
Chelsea has a population of 80 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 174 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Chelsea expensive to live in?
Chelsea 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 $40,938, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,300 (62% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chelsea safe?
Chelsea is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chelsea?
Chelsea has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°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 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Chelsea?
Chelsea has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 538 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea is $106,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,762. The homeownership rate is 84.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,657.
How are the schools in Chelsea?
Schools in Chelsea score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Chelsea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chelsea?
The obesity rate in Chelsea is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985.
What is transportation like in Chelsea?
The average commute in Chelsea is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chelsea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea is 97.5% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 58.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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