Median Income
$47,240
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,900
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
271/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$907
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.8%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.7%
67% higher than US avg
How Park Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,308
Median Age47.0 yrs
Density612/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,240
Per Capita$30,494
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty20.7%
County GDP$743M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,900
Rent$907
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$196,399
Housing Units1,245
Rent Burden32.7%
Crime
F
Violent271/100K
Property271/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault226/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity44.8%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking20.2%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,479 ft (451 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute22 min
Broadband79.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Park Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Park Falls receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. 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. Park Falls has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Park Falls is $47,240, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 20.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Park Falls is $81,900, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $907 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Park Falls is below the national average at 271 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 271 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Park Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Park Falls has a population of 2,308 with a density of 612 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 47.0 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.0yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Park Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Park Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Park Falls is $47,240, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,494 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $940, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 434 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Park Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,240 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,494 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $940 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,829 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.7% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 434 |
| County GDP | $743M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,067 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Park Falls is $81,900, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,399, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $907 (22% 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. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,245 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,067 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,900 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,399 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $907 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,245 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,067 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.97% |
In Park Falls, 44.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,013. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Park Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.8% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,013 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,007 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Park Falls has a violent crime rate of 271 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 226.0 per 100,000, robbery at 45.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 271 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 271, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Park Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Park Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 271.3/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 45.2/100K |
| Assault | 226.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 271.3/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 271.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Park Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°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 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,479 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.8°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,479 ft (451 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 612/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.9363°N, 90.4443°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Price County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE) 73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.0"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
130 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 105 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
2 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1982 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1966 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1962 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1961 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
24 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
66 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
29 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
25 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Park Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Park Falls. 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 Park Falls
What is the population of Park Falls?
Park Falls has a population of 2,308 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 612 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is Park Falls expensive to live in?
Park Falls 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 $47,240, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,900 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $907 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Park Falls safe?
Park Falls is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 271 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 271 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Park Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Park Falls?
Park Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Park Falls?
The job market in Park Falls is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $940. There are 434 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Park Falls?
The median home value in Park Falls is $81,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,399. For renters, the median monthly rent is $907. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,067.
How are the schools in Park Falls?
Schools in Park Falls score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Park Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Park Falls?
The obesity rate in Park Falls is 44.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,025.
What is transportation like in Park Falls?
The average commute in Park Falls is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Park Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Park Falls is 91.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.