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Ontario, WI

Wisconsin · Vernon County · La Crosse-Onalaska Metro

Ontario is a small town in Wisconsin with a population of 380. Residents earn $57,500 per year, which is 23% below the national average.

3.7 /5.0
B+ Good
380 Population 380/sq mi density
$57,500 Median Income $28,254 per capita
$130,000 Home Value $215,382 Zillow
$675 Median Rent 24.0% income on rent
46°F Avg Temperature 260 sunny days/yr
B+
Overall
3.7 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.0 / 5.0
$57,500 median income, 1.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$130,000 home value, $675/mo rent
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
14.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $57,500
23% lower than US avg
Home Value $130,000
54% 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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$215,382
Housing Units192
Rent Burden24.0%

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%
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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. 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.

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

380
Total Population
380
People / sq mi
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
1.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.3%
Female 54.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Ontario vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only85.3%
9% above US avg
Spanish14.7%
10% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Ontario vs U.S. Average

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: Ontario vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$57,500
23% below US avg
Per Capita Income$28,254
Avg Weekly Wage$905
IRS Avg AGI$63,201

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment1.0%
72% below US avg
Poverty Rate8.7%
30% below US avg
Establishments (County)828
County GDP$1,540M

Business (County)

Restaurants63
Healthcare75
Retail79
Manufacturing43

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,923
41% above US avg
Cost of Living94.10 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate3.79%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time23.7 min
Drive Alone78.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.1%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Burden24.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$797
1 Bedroom$872
2 Bedrooms$1,097
3 Bedrooms$1,405
4 Bedrooms$1,572

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied85.0%
Renter-Occupied15.0%
Housing Units192
Median Year Built1971

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$4,923
41% above US avg
Effective Rate3.79%
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

Obesity41.0%
28% above US avg
Diabetes11.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
High Blood Pressure31.7%
Asthma11.8%
COPD8.6%
Cancer6.8%
Stroke3.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking20.6%
47% above US avg
Binge Drinking20.9%
Physical Inactivity33.2%
Depression25.7%
Mental Distress19.6%
Physical Distress15.8%
Short Sleep33.4%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate94.7%
Uninsured12.2%
42% above US avg
Primary Care1:966
Dentists1:3,106
Mental Health1:577
Checkup Rate73.3%
Dental Visits56.9%
Premature Death7,508/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.4/10
Exercise Access54.1%
Healthcare Facilities75
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 Average46.2°F
14% below US avg
January Average17°F (-8°C)
July Average72°F (22°C)
Sunny Days260 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall35.0 inches
8% below US avg
Snowfall54.5 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median38.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation870 ft (265 m)
Area1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²)
Population Density380/sq mi
Coordinates43.7219°N, 90.5932°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyVernon County County
County FIPS55123

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").

Ontario is located in Vernon County. It is classified as Metro — under 250K, part of a metropolitan area. 14.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 57% below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 53.1% of the vote, a 7.8-point margin. 71.9% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 8 public libraries serving the community. 75 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 53.1%
D 45.3%

Winner: Republican by 7.8 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+14.5%
57% below US avg
High School+81.9%
Graduate Degree+1.6%
School Test Score5.94
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 3Metro — under 250K
Population Density380/sq mi
Total Area1.0 sq mi
CountyVernon County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access71.9%
Public Libraries8
Healthcare Facilities75
Restaurants63
Retail Stores79

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)5

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute23.7 min
Drive Alone78.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.1%

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.

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 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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