Median Income
$40,104
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,800
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
96/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$819
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
0% lower than US avg
How Ladysmith Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,152
Median Age48.4 yrs
Density745/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,104
Per Capita$30,325
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty12.4%
County GDP$727M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,800
Rent$819
Ownership49.7%
Zillow$179,063
Housing Units1,682
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent96/100K
Property804/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault64/100K
Burglary96/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking19.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,143 ft (348 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute17 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Ladysmith a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ladysmith receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ladysmith has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ladysmith is $40,104, 47% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ladysmith is $88,800, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ladysmith is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 804 per 100,000, 59% below the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ladysmith has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches, including 52.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ladysmith has a population of 3,152 with a density of 745 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age is 48.4 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.4yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ladysmith vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ladysmith vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ladysmith is $40,104, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,325 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $886, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 386 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ladysmith vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,104 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,325 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $886 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,909 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.4% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 386 |
| County GDP | $727M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,580 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Ladysmith is $88,800, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,063, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $819 (30% 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. 49.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,682 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $4,580 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,800 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,063 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $819 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,682 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,580 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.16% |
In Ladysmith, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 30.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,018. The dentist ratio is 1:1,419. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ladysmith vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.5% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,018 |
| Dentists | 1:1,419 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,153/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Ladysmith has a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 64.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 32.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 804 per 100,000, 59% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 707, burglary at 96, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ladysmith receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ladysmith vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 96.4/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 32.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 64.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 803.6/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Burglary | 96.4/100K |
| Theft | 707.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 32.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ladysmith has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 66°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 35.8 inches. The area receives 52.1 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 1,143 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,143 ft (348 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (11.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 745/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4610°N, 91.0976°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rusk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
78 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
66 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1996 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Ladysmith has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 13°F in January to 66°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Ladysmith. 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 Ladysmith
What is the population of Ladysmith?
Ladysmith has a population of 3,152 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 745 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 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 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Ladysmith expensive to live in?
Ladysmith 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 $40,104, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,800 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ladysmith safe?
Ladysmith is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 804 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ladysmith receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ladysmith?
Ladysmith has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches, with 52.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ladysmith?
Ladysmith has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $886. There are 386 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ladysmith?
The median home value in Ladysmith is $88,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,063. For renters, the median monthly rent is $819. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,580.
How are the schools in Ladysmith?
Schools in Ladysmith score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Ladysmith hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ladysmith?
The obesity rate in Ladysmith is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 30.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,018.
What is transportation like in Ladysmith?
The average commute in Ladysmith is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ladysmith?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ladysmith is 93.9% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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