Median Income
$60,667
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,100
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$796
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Cornell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,331
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density351/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,667
Per Capita$31,423
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$3,854M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,100
Rent$796
Ownership75.5%
Zillow$224,265
Housing Units638
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,648/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary143/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking18.6%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.3 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,031 ft (314 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute27 min
Broadband78.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Cornell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cornell 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 high obesity rates. Cornell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cornell is $60,667, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cornell is $142,100, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cornell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,648 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cornell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Cornell has a population of 1,331 with a density of 351 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Cornell is $60,667, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,423 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,963 business establishments, including 183 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,667 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,423 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,869 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,963 |
| County GDP | $3,854M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 183 |
| Healthcare | 206 |
| Retail | 203 |
| Manufacturing | 131 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,934 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Cornell is $142,100, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,265, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $796 (32% 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. 75.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 638 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,934 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,100 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,265 |
| Median List Price | $358,750 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $358,750 |
| $/Sq Ft | $115 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $796 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.5% |
| Housing Units | 638 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,934 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.47% |
In Cornell, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,393. The dentist ratio is 1:1,758. 57.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cornell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,393 |
| Dentists | 1:1,758 |
| Mental Health | 1:985 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,527/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 206 |
Cornell has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 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 1,648 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,504, burglary at 143, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cornell receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Cornell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,647.6/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| Burglary | 143.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,504.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Cornell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 69°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 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,031 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.7°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,031 ft (314 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 351/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1638°N, 91.1504°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chippewa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.3"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.0 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
275 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 37 fatalities, 354 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
97 km |
21 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
45 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
36 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Cornell has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 12°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Cornell. 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 Cornell
What is the population of Cornell?
Cornell has a population of 1,331 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 351 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.
Is Cornell expensive to live in?
Cornell 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 $60,667, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,100 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cornell safe?
Cornell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,648 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cornell receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cornell?
Cornell 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 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Cornell?
The job market in Cornell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 1,963 business establishments in the area, including 183 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cornell?
The median home value in Cornell is $142,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,265. For renters, the median monthly rent is $796. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,934.
How are the schools in Cornell?
Schools in Cornell score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Cornell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cornell?
The obesity rate in Cornell is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 57.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,393.
What is transportation like in Cornell?
The average commute in Cornell is 27 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cornell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cornell is 98.3% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
