Median Income
$90,000
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$196,600
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
133/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.4%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$760
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.5%
96% lower than US avg
How Marathon City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,397
Median Age46.0 yrs
Density431/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,000
Per Capita$43,408
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty0.5%
County GDP$11,882M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$196,600
Rent$760
Ownership80.4%
Zillow$297,110
Housing Units559
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent133/100K
Property467/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault67/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.5%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain33.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,227 ft (374 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.4%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute15 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations5
Libraries9
Is Marathon City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marathon City receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Marathon City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marathon City is $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marathon City is $196,600, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $760 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
Marathon City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 467 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
31.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Marathon City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°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 33.9 inches, including 64.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Marathon City has a population of 1,397 with a density of 431 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 46.0 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.0yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Marathon 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
Marathon City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Marathon City is $90,000, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,408 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,115, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,960 business establishments, including 329 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Marathon City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,000 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,408 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,115 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.5% |
| 96% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,960 |
| County GDP | $11,882M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 329 |
| Healthcare | 424 |
| Retail | 428 |
| Manufacturing | 239 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,413 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in Marathon City is $196,600, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,110, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $760 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $889 for a one-bedroom to $1,147 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 559 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $6,413 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.2% 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 | $196,600 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $297,110 |
| Median List Price | $202,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $202,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $120 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $760 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $791 |
| 1 Bedroom | $889 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,147 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,511 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,519 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.6% |
| Housing Units | 559 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,413 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Marathon City, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,059. The dentist ratio is 1:1,327. 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marathon City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,059 |
| Dentists | 1:1,327 |
| Mental Health | 1:411 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,974/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 424 |
Marathon City has a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 66.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 66.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 467 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 467, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Marathon City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Marathon City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 133.3/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 66.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 66.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 466.7/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 466.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marathon City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 15°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 33.9 inches. The area receives 64.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. 85% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,227 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,227 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 431/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9390°N, 89.8501°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marathon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU) 80 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.9"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 85.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0454 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
247 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
81 km |
6 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
81 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 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
91 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
81 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
OS 23 |
571 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Marathon City has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Marathon 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon City
What is the population of Marathon City?
Marathon City has a population of 1,397 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 431 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Marathon City expensive to live in?
Marathon 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 $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $196,600 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $760 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 Marathon City safe?
Marathon City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 467 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Marathon City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marathon City?
Marathon City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 33.9 inches, with 64.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Marathon City?
The job market in Marathon City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,115. There are 3,960 business establishments in the area, including 329 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marathon City?
The median home value in Marathon City is $196,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,110. For renters, the median monthly rent is $760. Fair market rent is $889 for a 1-bedroom and $1,147 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,413.
How are the schools in Marathon City?
Schools in Marathon City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.4% of adults in Marathon City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marathon City?
The obesity rate in Marathon City is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,059.
What is transportation like in Marathon City?
The average commute in Marathon City is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marathon City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marathon City is 93% White. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.