Median Income
$62,133
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$194,800
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
351/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$910
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Chippewa Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14,643
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density1,288/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,133
Per Capita$32,629
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$8,430M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$194,800
Rent$910
Ownership53.9%
Zillow$326,818
Housing Units6,670
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent351/100K
Property1,264/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault281/100K
Burglary176/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.7%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation819 ft (250 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.11
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Chippewa Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chippewa Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Chippewa Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chippewa Falls is $62,133, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chippewa Falls is $194,800, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $910 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Chippewa Falls is below the national average at 351 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,264 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Chippewa Falls 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 33.0 inches, including 55.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Chippewa Falls has a population of 14,643 with a density of 1,288 people per square mile, spread across 11.4 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chippewa Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chippewa Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chippewa Falls is $62,133, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,629 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,254 business establishments, including 289 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chippewa Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,133 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,629 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,254 |
| County GDP | $8,430M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 289 |
| Healthcare | 422 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 88 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Chippewa Falls is $194,800, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,818, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $910 (22% 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. 53.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,670 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $326,818 |
| Median List Price | $239,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $239,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $153 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 18.9% |
| Inventory | 37 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $910 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,207 |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.1% |
| Housing Units | 6,670 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Chippewa Falls, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:705. The dentist ratio is 1:989. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
9.1
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
10.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
142.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Chippewa Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:705 |
| Dentists | 1:989 |
| Mental Health | 1:243 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,237/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 422 |
Chippewa Falls has a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 281.0 per 100,000, robbery at 14.1, rape at 56.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,264 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 934, burglary at 176, vehicle theft at 155 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chippewa Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chippewa Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 351.2/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 56.2/100K |
| Robbery | 14.1/100K |
| Assault | 281.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,264.3/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| Burglary | 175.6/100K |
| Theft | 934.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 154.5/100K |
| Arson | 7.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 120 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chippewa Falls 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 33.0 inches. The area receives 55.4 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 819 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 819 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 11.4 sq mi (29.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,288/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9347°N, 91.3892°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Eau Claire County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.0"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
295 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 37 fatalities, 345 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
74 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
6 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
21 km |
4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
32 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
16 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Chippewa Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Chippewa Falls. 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 | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chippewa Falls
What is the population of Chippewa Falls?
Chippewa Falls has a population of 14,643 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,288 people per square mile, spread across 11.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Chippewa Falls expensive to live in?
Chippewa Falls 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 $62,133, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,800 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $910 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chippewa Falls safe?
Chippewa Falls is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,264 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chippewa Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chippewa Falls?
Chippewa Falls 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 33.0 inches, with 55.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Chippewa Falls?
Chippewa Falls has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 3,254 business establishments in the area, including 289 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chippewa Falls?
The median home value in Chippewa Falls is $194,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,818. For renters, the median monthly rent is $910. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Chippewa Falls?
Schools in Chippewa Falls score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.7% of adults in Chippewa Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chippewa Falls?
The obesity rate in Chippewa Falls is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:705.
What is transportation like in Chippewa Falls?
The average commute in Chippewa Falls is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chippewa Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chippewa Falls is 90% White, 3% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.