Median Income
$59,554
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,500
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
286/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$921
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Chetek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,017
Median Age48.5 yrs
Density862/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,554
Per Capita$31,224
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$2,994M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,500
Rent$921
Ownership72.7%
Zillow$275,671
Housing Units1,105
Rent Burden22.8%
Crime
F
Violent286/100K
Property572/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault286/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking15.5%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,051 ft (320 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 33%
Commute29 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Chetek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chetek 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 below-average incomes. Chetek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chetek is $59,554, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chetek is $156,500, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $921 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Chetek is below the national average at 286 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Chetek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches, including 52.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Chetek has a population of 2,017 with a density of 862 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 48.5 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.5yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Chetek is $59,554, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,224 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $923, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,569 business establishments, including 162 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,554 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,224 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $923 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,445 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,569 |
| County GDP | $2,994M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 162 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 204 |
| Manufacturing | 84 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,272 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Chetek is $156,500, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,671, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $921 (21% 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. 72.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,105 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $5,272 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,500 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,671 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $921 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,105 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,272 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.37% |
In Chetek, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:994. The dentist ratio is 1:1,378. 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chetek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:994 |
| Dentists | 1:1,378 |
| Mental Health | 1:976 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,673/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Chetek has a violent crime rate of 286 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 286.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 572 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 477, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 95 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chetek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chetek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 286.1/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 286.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 572.3/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 476.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 95.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chetek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°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 31.4 inches. The area receives 52.5 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 1,051 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,051 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 862/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3161°N, 91.6532°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Barron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.4"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
275 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 380 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
70 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
68 km |
4 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RX-86_FY23 (2,187 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
96 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Chetek has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Chetek. 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 Chetek
What is the population of Chetek?
Chetek has a population of 2,017 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 862 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Chetek expensive to live in?
Chetek 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 $59,554, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,500 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $921 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chetek safe?
Chetek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 286 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 572 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chetek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chetek?
Chetek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.4 inches, with 52.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Chetek?
The job market in Chetek is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $923. There are 1,569 business establishments in the area, including 162 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chetek?
The median home value in Chetek is $156,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,671. For renters, the median monthly rent is $921. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,272.
How are the schools in Chetek?
Schools in Chetek score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Chetek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chetek?
The obesity rate in Chetek is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:994.
What is transportation like in Chetek?
The average commute in Chetek is 29 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chetek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chetek is 96.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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