Median Income
$42,188
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,400
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
212/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$686
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Prentice Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population466
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density231/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans14.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$42,188
Per Capita$30,709
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$743M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,400
Rent$686
Ownership64.2%
Zillow$173,340
Housing Units302
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent212/100K
Property3,255/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking18.9%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,535 ft (468 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute33 min
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Prentice a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prentice receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Prentice has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Prentice is $42,188, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Prentice is $102,400, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $686 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Prentice is below the national average at 212 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,255 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Prentice 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Prentice has a population of 466 with a density of 231 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 14.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Prentice is $42,188, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,709 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $940, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,188 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,709 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $940 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,829 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below 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 | 3.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Prentice is $102,400, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,340, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $686 (41% 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. 64.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 302 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,067 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,400 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $173,340 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $686 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.8% |
| Housing Units | 302 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,067 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.97% |
In Prentice, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 30.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% 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: Prentice vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.5% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,013 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,007 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Prentice has a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,255 per 100,000, 66% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Prentice receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Prentice vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 212.3/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,255.5/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Prentice 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,535 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.7°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,535 ft (468 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 231/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5412°N, 90.2928°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Price County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE) 72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.29"
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 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
206 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 152 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1997 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1996 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
33 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
34 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Prentice has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Prentice. 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 Prentice
What is the population of Prentice?
Prentice has a population of 466 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 231 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Prentice expensive to live in?
Prentice 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 $42,188, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,400 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $686 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Prentice safe?
Prentice is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,255 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Prentice receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Prentice?
Prentice 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Prentice?
The job market in Prentice is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / 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 33 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Prentice?
The median home value in Prentice is $102,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,340. For renters, the median monthly rent is $686. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,067.
How are the schools in Prentice?
Schools in Prentice score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Prentice hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prentice?
The obesity rate in Prentice is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 30.5% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,025.
What is transportation like in Prentice?
The average commute in Prentice is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prentice?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prentice is 90.3% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 14.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.