Median Income
$92,672
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$319,200
13% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
74/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.0%
25% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,138
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Prairie du Sac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,385
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density2,204/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,672
Per Capita$44,313
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$5,577M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$319,200
Rent$1,138
Ownership63.0%
Zillow$410,692
Housing Units1,920
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent74/100K
Property2,840/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking13.3%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation792 ft (241 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.0%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Prairie du Sac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prairie du Sac receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Prairie du Sac offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Prairie du Sac is $92,672, 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 1.0%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Prairie du Sac is $319,200, 13% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,138 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Prairie du Sac is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,840 per 100,000, 45% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Prairie du Sac experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Prairie du Sac has a population of 4,385 with a density of 2,204 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 3.1% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Prairie du Sac vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Prairie du Sac vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Prairie du Sac is $92,672, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,313 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,219 business establishments, including 261 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Prairie du Sac vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,672 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,313 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,772 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,219 |
| County GDP | $5,577M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 261 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 298 |
| Manufacturing | 86 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Prairie du Sac is $319,200, 13% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $410,692, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,138 (2% 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. 63.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,920 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $5,911 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $319,200 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $410,692 |
| Median List Price | $626,700 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $626,700 |
| $/Sq Ft | $192 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.0% |
| Price Drops | 7.7% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,138 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,920 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.85% |
In Prairie du Sac, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,462. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Prairie du Sac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,462 |
| Mental Health | 1:496 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,554/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Prairie du Sac has a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,840 per 100,000, 45% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Prairie du Sac receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Prairie du Sac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 74.3/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,840.2/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Prairie du Sac experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 792 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 792 ft (241 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,204/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2939°N, 89.7352°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sauk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dane County Regional/Truax Field (MSN)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0488 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
524 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 34 fatalities, 709 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
41 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
100 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 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
9 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
8 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
OS 23 |
571 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
569 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
560 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Prairie du Sac has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Prairie du Sac. 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 Prairie du Sac
What is the population of Prairie du Sac?
Prairie du Sac has a population of 4,385 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 2,204 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Prairie du Sac expensive to live in?
Prairie du Sac 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 $92,672, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $319,200 (13% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,138 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Prairie du Sac safe?
Prairie du Sac is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,840 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Prairie du Sac receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Prairie du Sac?
Prairie du Sac 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 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Prairie du Sac?
The job market in Prairie du Sac is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 2,219 business establishments in the area, including 261 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Prairie du Sac?
The median home value in Prairie du Sac is $319,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $410,692. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,138. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,911.
How are the schools in Prairie du Sac?
Schools in Prairie du Sac score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 42.0% of adults in Prairie du Sac hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prairie du Sac?
The obesity rate in Prairie du Sac is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Prairie du Sac?
The average commute in Prairie du Sac is 26 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prairie du Sac?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prairie du Sac is 90.2% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
