Median Income
$57,500
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,000
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Ontario Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population380
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density380/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,500
Per Capita$28,254
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$1,540M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,000
Rent$675
Ownership85.0%
Zillow$215,382
Housing Units192
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking20.6%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation870 ft (265 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute24 min
Broadband71.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Ontario a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ontario receives an overall livability score of 3.7 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. Ontario offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ontario is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ontario is $130,000, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ontario 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
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Ontario experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches, including 54.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ontario has a population of 380 with a density of 380 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.3% of residents, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.3%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.7%
10% above US avg
The median household income in Ontario is $57,500, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,254 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $905, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 828 business establishments, including 63 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. 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,500 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,254 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $905 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,201 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 828 |
| County GDP | $1,540M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 75 |
| Retail | 79 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,923 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Ontario is $130,000, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,382, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% 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. 85.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 192 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,923 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,000 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,382 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.0% |
| Housing Units | 192 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,923 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.79% |
In Ontario, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 20.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:966. The dentist ratio is 1:3,106. 54.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ontario vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:966 |
| Dentists | 1:3,106 |
| Mental Health | 1:577 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,508/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 75 |
Ontario has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Ontario vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Ontario experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. The area receives 54.5 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 870 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 870 ft (265 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 380/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7219°N, 90.5932°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Vernon County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| 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 Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
306 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 435 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
97 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
89 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 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
59 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
70 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
58 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
53 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Ontario has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Ontario. 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 Ontario
What is the population of Ontario?
Ontario has a population of 380 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 380 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Ontario expensive to live in?
Ontario 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 $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,000 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ontario safe?
Ontario 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 Ontario?
Ontario has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches, with 54.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ontario?
The job market in Ontario is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $905. There are 828 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ontario?
The median home value in Ontario is $130,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,382. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,923.
How are the schools in Ontario?
Schools in Ontario score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Ontario hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ontario?
The obesity rate in Ontario is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.6% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:966.
What is transportation like in Ontario?
The average commute in Ontario is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ontario?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ontario is 89.2% White. 85.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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