Median Income
$51,759
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,700
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.6%
21% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$865
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Fountain City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population747
Median Age48.4 yrs
Density171/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,759
Per Capita$40,080
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$731M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,700
Rent$865
Ownership65.1%
Zillow$272,117
Housing Units430
Rent Burden23.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.1%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation674 ft (205 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.6%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute24 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Fountain City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fountain City receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Fountain City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fountain City is $51,759, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fountain City is $161,700, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $865 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Fountain City 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fountain City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.4 inches, including 37.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Fountain City has a population of 747 with a density of 171 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 48.4 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.9%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 87.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.4yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fountain City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fountain City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fountain City is $51,759, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,080. The average weekly wage is $895, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (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 401 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fountain City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,759 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,080 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,302 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 401 |
| County GDP | $731M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,359 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Fountain City is $161,700, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,117, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $865 (26% 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. 65.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 430 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,359 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,700 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $272,117 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $865 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Housing Units | 430 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,359 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Fountain City, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,434. The dentist ratio is 1:837. 64.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fountain City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,434 |
| Dentists | 1:837 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,710 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,033/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Fountain City 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Fountain City 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 | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Fountain City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°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 34.4 inches. The area receives 37.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 674 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 674 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1188°N, 91.6898°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.4"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
347 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 241 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
92 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
80 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
24 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Fountain City has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Fountain City. 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 Fountain City
What is the population of Fountain City?
Fountain City has a population of 747 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 171 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Fountain City expensive to live in?
Fountain City 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 $51,759, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,700 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $865 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fountain City safe?
Fountain City 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Fountain City?
Fountain City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.4 inches, with 37.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Fountain City?
The job market in Fountain City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $895. There are 401 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fountain City?
The median home value in Fountain City is $161,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,117. For renters, the median monthly rent is $865. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,359.
How are the schools in Fountain City?
Schools in Fountain City score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.6% of adults in Fountain City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fountain City?
The obesity rate in Fountain City is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 64.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,434.
What is transportation like in Fountain City?
The average commute in Fountain City is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fountain City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fountain City is 96.9% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 87.2% have health insurance coverage.