Median Income
$78,906
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$194,400
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.5%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,024
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Dresser Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,037
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density546/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,906
Per Capita$32,901
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$2,185M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$194,400
Rent$1,024
Ownership79.0%
Zillow$329,183
Housing Units366
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property5,753/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking15.1%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation923 ft (281 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.5%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Dresser a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dresser receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Dresser offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dresser is $78,906, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dresser is $194,400, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,024 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dresser 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 5,753 per 100,000, 194% above the national average.
Education
22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dresser has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°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 30.5 inches, including 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Dresser has a population of 1,037 with a density of 546 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 8.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Dresser is $78,906, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,901 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,311 business establishments, including 136 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,906 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,901 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,536 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,311 |
| County GDP | $2,185M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 136 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 164 |
| Manufacturing | 95 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Dresser is $194,400, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,183, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,024 (12% 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. 79.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 366 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $5,702 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $329,183 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,024 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.0% |
| Housing Units | 366 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.93% |
In Dresser, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262. The dentist ratio is 1:1,693. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dresser vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,262 |
| Dentists | 1:1,693 |
| Mental Health | 1:462 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,642/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Dresser has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,753 per 100,000, 194% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dresser receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Dresser vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,752.6/100K |
| 194% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Dresser has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°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 30.5 inches. The area receives 42.6 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 923 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 923 ft (281 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 546/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3632°N, 92.6347°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.5"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| 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)
Tornado History
359 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 54 fatalities, 850 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
57 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
6 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
88 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
89 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Dresser has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dresser. 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 Dresser
What is the population of Dresser?
Dresser has a population of 1,037 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 546 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Dresser expensive to live in?
Dresser 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 $78,906, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,400 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,024 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dresser safe?
Dresser 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 5,753 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dresser receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dresser?
Dresser has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°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 30.5 inches, with 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Dresser?
The job market in Dresser is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 1,311 business establishments in the area, including 136 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dresser?
The median home value in Dresser is $194,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,183. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,024. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,702.
How are the schools in Dresser?
Schools in Dresser score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.5% of adults in Dresser hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dresser?
The obesity rate in Dresser is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262.
What is transportation like in Dresser?
The average commute in Dresser is 30 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dresser?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dresser is 88.7% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
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