Median Income
$43,026
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,900
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$660
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.9%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Nekoosa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,439
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density722/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,026
Per Capita$27,518
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$5,836M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,900
Rent$660
Ownership67.8%
Zillow$260,218
Housing Units1,143
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,385/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary164/100K
Health
Obesity42.9%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking19.6%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.3 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation950 ft (290 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute23 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Nekoosa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nekoosa receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Nekoosa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nekoosa is $43,026, 43% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nekoosa is $112,900, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $660 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Nekoosa 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 2,385 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Nekoosa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°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 31.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Nekoosa has a population of 2,439 with a density of 722 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Nekoosa is $43,026, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,518 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,939 business establishments, including 217 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,026 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,518 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,939 |
| County GDP | $5,836M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 217 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 206 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Nekoosa is $112,900, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,218, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 84.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $660 (43% 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. 67.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,143 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,900 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $260,218 |
| Median List Price | $129,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $129,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $34 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 84.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $660 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,143 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.53% |
In Nekoosa, 42.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.7% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202. The dentist ratio is 1:1,360. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nekoosa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.9% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,202 |
| Dentists | 1:1,360 |
| Mental Health | 1:602 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Nekoosa 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 2,385 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,138, burglary at 164, vehicle theft at 82 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nekoosa receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Nekoosa 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 | 2,384.9/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
| Burglary | 164.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,138.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 82.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Nekoosa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°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 31.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 950 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 950 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 722/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3132°N, 89.9079°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Portage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wittman Regional (OSH)
68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.3"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
349 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
86 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
48 km |
6 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
24 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
61 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 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
27 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
16 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
27 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
17 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
34 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
27 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
17 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
36 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
29 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
34 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
33 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
35 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
28 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
33 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
27 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
31 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Nekoosa has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Nekoosa. 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 Nekoosa
What is the population of Nekoosa?
Nekoosa has a population of 2,439 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 722 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Nekoosa expensive to live in?
Nekoosa 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 $43,026, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,900 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $660 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nekoosa safe?
Nekoosa 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 2,385 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nekoosa receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nekoosa?
Nekoosa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 31.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Nekoosa?
Nekoosa has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,939 business establishments in the area, including 217 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nekoosa?
The median home value in Nekoosa is $112,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,218. For renters, the median monthly rent is $660. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Nekoosa?
Schools in Nekoosa score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.0% of adults in Nekoosa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nekoosa?
The obesity rate in Nekoosa is 42.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202.
What is transportation like in Nekoosa?
The average commute in Nekoosa is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nekoosa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nekoosa is 87.1% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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