Median Income
$52,500
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,500
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
395/100K
4% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Pence Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population139
Median Age52.4 yrs
Density130/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans92.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,500
Per Capita$30,656
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$235M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,500
Ownership93.9%
Zillow$126,718
Housing Units87
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent395/100K
Property2,961/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.3%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,603 ft (489 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute23 min
Broadband66.0%
Libraries2
Is Pence a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pence receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Pence has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pence is $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pence is $97,500, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 395 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,961 per 100,000, 51% above the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Pence has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches, including 155.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Pence has a population of 139 with a density of 130 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 52.4 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.6% female and 60.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%), with 9.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 92.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.4yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Pence is $52,500, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,656 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $779, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 228 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,500 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,656 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $779 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,358 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 228 |
| County GDP | $235M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Pence is $97,500, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,718, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 87 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,800 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,500 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $126,718 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.1% |
| Housing Units | 87 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.92% |
In Pence, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,178. The dentist ratio is 1:2,075. 47.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pence vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,178 |
| Dentists | 1:2,075 |
| Mental Health | 1:623 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,870/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Pence has a violent crime rate of 395 per 100,000 residents, 4% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,961 per 100,000, 51% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pence receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pence vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 394.7/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,960.5/100K |
| 51% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pence has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. The area receives 155.0 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 1,603 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.4°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,603 ft (489 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 130/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4103°N, 90.2695°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH) 96 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
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 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
76 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 56 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
56 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1961 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1958 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2005 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2001 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A (3,386 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK J RX |
911 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
81 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
78 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Pence has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 12°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Pence. 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 Pence
What is the population of Pence?
Pence has a population of 139 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 130 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.6% female and 60.4% male.
Is Pence expensive to live in?
Pence 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 $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,500 (65% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pence safe?
The violent crime rate in Pence is 395 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,961 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pence receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pence?
Pence has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches, with 155.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Pence?
Pence has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $779. There are 228 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pence?
The median home value in Pence is $97,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,718. The homeownership rate is 93.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,800.
How are the schools in Pence?
Schools in Pence score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.1% of adults in Pence hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pence?
The obesity rate in Pence is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 47.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,178.
What is transportation like in Pence?
The average commute in Pence is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pence?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pence is 88.5% White, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 92.0% of the population are military veterans. 28.9% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.