Median Income
$92,188
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$197,400
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
284/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,125
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.2%
90% lower than US avg
How Poplar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population610
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density51/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,188
Per Capita$37,660
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty1.2%
County GDP$2,402M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$197,400
Rent$1,125
Ownership91.1%
Zillow$294,402
Housing Units235
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent284/100K
Property6,494/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking13.6%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,003 ft (306 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute32 min
Broadband97.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Poplar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Poplar receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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. Poplar offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Poplar is $92,188, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Poplar is $197,400, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Poplar is below the national average at 284 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,494 per 100,000, 231% above the national average.
Education
30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Poplar 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. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Poplar has a population of 610 with a density of 51 people per square mile, spread across 11.9 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (83.4%), with 6.2% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Poplar is $92,188, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,660. The average weekly wage is $1,016, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,215 business establishments, including 156 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,188 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,660 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,016 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,532 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.2% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,215 |
| County GDP | $2,402M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 156 |
| Healthcare | 119 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,924 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in Poplar is $197,400, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,402, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,125 (3% 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. 91.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 235 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,924 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $197,400 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,402 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,125 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.9% |
| Housing Units | 235 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,924 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Poplar, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,018. The dentist ratio is 1:1,635. 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Poplar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,018 |
| Dentists | 1:1,635 |
| Mental Health | 1:546 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,763/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
Poplar has a violent crime rate of 284 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,494 per 100,000, 231% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Poplar receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Poplar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 283.8/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,494.4/100K |
| 231% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Poplar 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 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,003 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,003 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 11.9 sq mi (30.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 51/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5818°N, 91.7823°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% 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 | 62.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
66 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 30 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1965 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2005 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
31 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
38 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
39 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
42 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
41 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
38 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
958 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK J RX |
911 |
38 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
38 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
WOODBURY |
673 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
621 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
EVELETH RX |
586 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
BN COMPLEX 2 |
547 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Poplar has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Poplar. 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Poplar
What is the population of Poplar?
Poplar has a population of 610 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 51 people per square mile, spread across 11.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Poplar expensive to live in?
Poplar 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 $92,188, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,400 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,125 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Poplar safe?
Poplar is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 284 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,494 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Poplar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Poplar?
Poplar 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 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Poplar?
The job market in Poplar is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,016. There are 1,215 business establishments in the area, including 156 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Poplar?
The median home value in Poplar is $197,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,402. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,125. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,924.
How are the schools in Poplar?
Schools in Poplar score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.8% of adults in Poplar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Poplar?
The obesity rate in Poplar is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,018.
What is transportation like in Poplar?
The average commute in Poplar is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Poplar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Poplar is 83.4% White, 2% Black or African American, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.