Median Income
$52,574
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,900
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
297/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$821
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
42% lower than US avg
How Colby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,118
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,291/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,574
Per Capita$24,350
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty7.2%
County GDP$1,919M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,900
Rent$821
Ownership56.9%
Zillow$209,683
Housing Units786
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent297/100K
Property1,761/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking18.8%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain24.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,352 ft (412 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 29%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Colby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colby receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Colby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colby is $52,574, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colby is $147,900, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $821 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Colby is below the national average at 297 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,761 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Colby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Colby has a population of 2,118 with a density of 1,291 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (79.4%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.3% of residents, while 17.7% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 88.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.3%
5% above US avg
Spanish
17.7%
32% above US avg
The median household income in Colby is $52,574, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,350 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $964, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 956 business establishments, including 78 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 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 | $52,574 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,350 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $964 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,108 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 956 |
| County GDP | $1,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 78 |
| Healthcare | 73 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Colby is $147,900, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,683, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $821 (29% 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. 56.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 786 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,947. 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,900 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,683 |
| Median List Price | $220,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $220,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $107 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.8% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $821 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.1% |
| Housing Units | 786 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,947 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.67% |
In Colby, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 34.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,964. The dentist ratio is 1:2,313. 34.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.5% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.2% |
| Uninsured | 14.8% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,964 |
| Dentists | 1:2,313 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,581 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
Colby has a violent crime rate of 297 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,761 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 297.4/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,761.2/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,352 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,352 ft (412 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,291/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9113°N, 90.3157°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.9"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.0 / 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)
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 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
276 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 292 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
77 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
85 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
77 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Colby has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 15°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Colby. 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 Colby
What is the population of Colby?
Colby has a population of 2,118 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,291 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Colby expensive to live in?
Colby 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 $52,574, 30% 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 $821 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colby safe?
Colby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 297 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,761 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colby?
Colby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Colby?
The job market in Colby is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $964. There are 956 business establishments in the area, including 78 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colby?
The median home value in Colby is $147,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,683. For renters, the median monthly rent is $821. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,947.
How are the schools in Colby?
Schools in Colby score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Colby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colby?
The obesity rate in Colby is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 34.5% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 34.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,964.
What is transportation like in Colby?
The average commute in Colby is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colby is 79.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 82.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.7% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 88.2% have health insurance coverage.
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