Median Income
$85,938
14% higher than US avg
Home Value
$223,600
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.9%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$972
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Plain Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population776
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density853/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$85,938
Per Capita$49,433
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$1,660M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$223,600
Rent$972
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$296,363
Housing Units336
Rent Burden18.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property786/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking18.6%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.9%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 53%
Commute28 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Plain a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plain receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Plain offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plain is $85,938, 14% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plain is $223,600, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $972 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Plain 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 786 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Plain experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°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 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Plain has a population of 776 with a density of 853 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Plain is $85,938, which is 14% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,433 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 722 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 9.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,938 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,433 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,709 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 722 |
| County GDP | $1,660M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 78 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,208 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 9.3% |
The median home value in Plain is $223,600, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,363, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $972 (16% 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. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 336 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $6,208 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $223,600 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,363 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $972 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 336 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,208 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
In Plain, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 31.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,980. The dentist ratio is 1:1,836. 40.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plain vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.7% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,980 |
| Dentists | 1:1,836 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,261 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,478/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Plain has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 786 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Plain receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Plain vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 785.5/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Plain experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 853/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2772°N, 90.0427°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iowa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
473 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 595 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
35 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
93 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 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
98 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
26 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
OS 23 |
571 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Plain has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Plain. 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 Plain
What is the population of Plain?
Plain has a population of 776 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 853 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Plain expensive to live in?
Plain 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 $85,938, 14% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $223,600 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $972 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Plain safe?
Plain 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 786 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Plain receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plain?
Plain has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Plain?
The job market in Plain is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 722 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 9.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plain?
The median home value in Plain is $223,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,363. For renters, the median monthly rent is $972. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,208.
How are the schools in Plain?
Schools in Plain score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.9% of adults in Plain hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plain?
The obesity rate in Plain is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 31.7% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 40.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,980.
What is transportation like in Plain?
The average commute in Plain is 28 minutes. 76% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plain?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plain is 94.2% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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