Home Value
$136,100
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.6%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$710
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Emerald Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population148
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density79/mi²
Male / Female64% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
Per Capita$27,403
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$6,015M
Commute46 min
Housing
Home Value$136,100
Rent$710
Ownership78.6%
Zillow$309,644
Housing Units88
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property1,160/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking13.9%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,205 ft (367 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.6%
High School+78.1%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute46 min
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is Emerald a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emerald receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Emerald faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 46 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Emerald is $136,100, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $710 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Emerald is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,160 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
7.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Emerald has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Emerald has a population of 148 with a density of 79 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.5% female and 63.5% male. The city is predominantly White (73%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 25.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Per capita income is $27,403 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,063, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,832 business establishments, including 226 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 46 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $27,403 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,063 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $106,523 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,832 |
| County GDP | $6,015M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 226 |
| Healthcare | 248 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 172 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,317 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 45.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Emerald is $136,100, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $309,644, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $710 (39% 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. 78.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 88 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $6,317 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,100 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $309,644 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $710 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.4% |
| Housing Units | 88 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,317 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.64% |
In Emerald, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,901. The dentist ratio is 1:2,182. 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Emerald vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,901 |
| Dentists | 1:2,182 |
| Mental Health | 1:529 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 248 |
Emerald has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,160 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Emerald receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Emerald vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 175.8/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,160.3/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Emerald has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°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 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,205 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,205 ft (367 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0867°N, 92.2495°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Croix County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.4 / 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 Moderate |
| 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
399 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 63 fatalities, 998 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
22 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
85 km |
4 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Emerald has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Emerald. 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 Emerald
What is the population of Emerald?
Emerald has a population of 148 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 79 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.5% female and 63.5% male.
Is Emerald expensive to live in?
Emerald is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $136,100 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $710 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Emerald safe?
Emerald is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,160 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Emerald receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Emerald?
Emerald has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Emerald?
The job market in Emerald is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,063. There are 2,832 business establishments in the area, including 226 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 46 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Emerald?
The median home value in Emerald is $136,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $309,644. For renters, the median monthly rent is $710. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,317.
How are the schools in Emerald?
Schools in Emerald score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.6% of adults in Emerald hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Emerald?
The obesity rate in Emerald is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,901.
What is transportation like in Emerald?
The average commute in Emerald is 46 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Emerald?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Emerald is 73% White. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 25.2% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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