Median Income
$59,842
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,000
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$699
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.4%
106% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Colfax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,344
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density967/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$59,842
Per Capita$35,964
Unemployment7.4%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$2,581M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,000
Rent$699
Ownership43.8%
Zillow$314,433
Housing Units671
Rent Burden15.7%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property520/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault173/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.2%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation947 ft (289 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute28 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Colfax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colfax receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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. Colfax has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colfax is $59,842, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colfax is $157,000, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $699 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 Colfax is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 520 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Colfax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°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 34.2 inches, including 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Colfax has a population of 1,344 with a density of 967 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.2%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Colfax is $59,842, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,964. The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,151 business establishments, including 99 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,842 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,964 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,699 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.4% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,151 |
| County GDP | $2,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 99 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Colfax is $157,000, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,433, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $699 (40% 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. 43.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 671 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $5,168 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.7% 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 | $157,000 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $314,433 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $699 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.2% |
| Housing Units | 671 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.29% |
In Colfax, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,340. The dentist ratio is 1:2,536. 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colfax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,340 |
| Dentists | 1:2,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:440 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 70.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,952/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Colfax has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 173.3 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 520 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 433, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 87 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colfax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colfax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 173.3/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 173.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 519.9/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 433.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 86.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colfax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°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 34.2 inches. The area receives 40.9 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 947 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 947 ft (289 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 967/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9970°N, 91.7255°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dunn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.7 / 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 Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
321 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 382 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
49 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
21 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
44 km |
4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Colfax has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Colfax. 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 Colfax
What is the population of Colfax?
Colfax has a population of 1,344 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 967 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Colfax expensive to live in?
Colfax 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 $59,842, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,000 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $699 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 Colfax safe?
Colfax is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 520 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colfax receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colfax?
Colfax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 34.2 inches, with 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Colfax?
The unemployment rate in Colfax is 7.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 1,151 business establishments in the area, including 99 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colfax?
The median home value in Colfax is $157,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,433. For renters, the median monthly rent is $699. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,168.
How are the schools in Colfax?
Schools in Colfax score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Colfax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colfax?
The obesity rate in Colfax is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,340.
What is transportation like in Colfax?
The average commute in Colfax is 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colfax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colfax is 87.2% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
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