Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,000
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$732
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.4%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.1%
30% higher than US avg
How Norwalk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population612
Median Age29.2 yrs
Density594/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 47%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$24,023
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty16.1%
County GDP$3,006M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,000
Rent$732
Ownership71.4%
Zillow$190,568
Housing Units244
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity46.4%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking19.0%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,038 ft (316 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+70.7%
Graduate+0.3%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute25 min
Broadband52.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Norwalk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Norwalk receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Norwalk offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Norwalk is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 16.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Norwalk is $94,000, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $732 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Norwalk 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
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Norwalk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Norwalk has a population of 612 with a density of 594 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 29.2 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.4% female and 60.6% male. The city is predominantly White (46.6%), with 7.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 53.2% of residents, while 46.8% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 60.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.2yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
53.2%
32% below US avg
Spanish
46.8%
249% above US avg
The median household income in Norwalk is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,023 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,035, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,335 business establishments, including 124 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,023 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,035 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,112 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.1% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,335 |
| County GDP | $3,006M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 124 |
| Healthcare | 92 |
| Retail | 135 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,984 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Norwalk is $94,000, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,568, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $732 (37% 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. 71.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 244 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,984 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $94,000 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,568 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $732 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Housing Units | 244 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,984 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.30% |
In Norwalk, 46.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 36.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,593. The dentist ratio is 1:1,537. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Norwalk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.4% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.6% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 60.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,593 |
| Dentists | 1:1,537 |
| Mental Health | 1:398 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,458/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 92 |
Norwalk 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 6 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Norwalk 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) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Norwalk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,038 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,038 ft (316 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 594/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8342°N, 90.6269°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Monroe County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.7"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
302 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 254 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
24 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 |
77 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
63 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
51 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
62 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
46 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
62 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
43 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
49 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
52 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
46 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Norwalk has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 17°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Norwalk. 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 Norwalk
What is the population of Norwalk?
Norwalk has a population of 612 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 594 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.4% female and 60.6% male.
Is Norwalk expensive to live in?
Norwalk 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,000 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $732 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Norwalk safe?
Norwalk 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 Norwalk?
Norwalk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Norwalk?
The job market in Norwalk is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,035. There are 1,335 business establishments in the area, including 124 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Norwalk?
The median home value in Norwalk is $94,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,568. For renters, the median monthly rent is $732. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,984.
How are the schools in Norwalk?
Schools in Norwalk score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.8% of adults in Norwalk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.7% have completed high school. 0.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Norwalk?
The obesity rate in Norwalk is 46.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 36.6% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,593.
What is transportation like in Norwalk?
The average commute in Norwalk is 25 minutes. 63% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Norwalk?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Norwalk is 46.6% White, 7.2% Black or African American. 53.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 46.8% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 60.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
