Median Income
$61,667
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,300
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$930
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.0%
53% higher than US avg
How Dalton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population221
Median Age35.2 yrs
Density491/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,667
Per Capita$29,693
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty19.0%
County GDP$4,274M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,300
Rent$930
Ownership70.5%
Zillow$196,533
Housing Units98
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,433/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking18.2%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation856 ft (261 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute32 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Dalton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dalton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Dalton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dalton is $61,667, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dalton is $124,300, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dalton 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 1,433 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Dalton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 45.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Dalton has a population of 221 with a density of 491 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 35.2 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 2.3% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.2yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Dalton is $61,667, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,693 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,013, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,775 business establishments, including 194 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,667 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,693 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,013 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,589 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.0% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,775 |
| County GDP | $4,274M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 194 |
| Healthcare | 142 |
| Retail | 194 |
| Manufacturing | 84 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,988 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Dalton is $124,300, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,533, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $930 (20% 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. 70.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,988 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,300 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,533 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $930 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.5% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,988 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.82% |
In Dalton, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 30.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,543. The dentist ratio is 1:2,771. 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dalton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.9% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,543 |
| Dentists | 1:2,771 |
| Mental Health | 1:700 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,231/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 142 |
Dalton has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,433 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dalton receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Dalton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,433.5/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Dalton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. The area receives 45.5 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 856 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 856 ft (261 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 491/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6564°N, 89.2076°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
549 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 755 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
99 km |
9 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
36 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
95 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
95 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
50 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
44 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Dalton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Dalton. 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 Dalton
What is the population of Dalton?
Dalton has a population of 221 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 491 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Dalton expensive to live in?
Dalton 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 $61,667, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,300 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dalton safe?
Dalton 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 1,433 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dalton receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dalton?
Dalton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 45.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Dalton?
Dalton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,013. There are 1,775 business establishments in the area, including 194 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dalton?
The median home value in Dalton is $124,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,533. For renters, the median monthly rent is $930. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,988.
How are the schools in Dalton?
Schools in Dalton score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.9% of adults in Dalton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dalton?
The obesity rate in Dalton is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 30.9% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,543.
What is transportation like in Dalton?
The average commute in Dalton is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 67% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dalton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dalton is 94.1% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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