Median Income
$32,083
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,300
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$398
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.9%
44% higher than US avg
How Readstown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population380
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density222/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$32,083
Per Capita$21,164
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty17.9%
County GDP$1,540M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,300
Rent$398
Ownership67.5%
Zillow$201,913
Housing Units176
Rent Burden25.0%
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking18.2%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Elevation760 ft (232 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute22 min
Broadband73.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Readstown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Readstown receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Readstown offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Readstown is $32,083, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Readstown is $97,300, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $398 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Readstown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 47.2 inches of snow.
Readstown has a population of 380 with a density of 222 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.7% female and 40.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
380
Total Population
2023 Census
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Readstown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Readstown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Readstown is $32,083, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $905, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 828 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Readstown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,083 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $905 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,201 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.9% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 828 |
| County GDP | $1,540M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 75 |
| Retail | 79 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,923 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Readstown is $97,300, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,913, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $398 (66% 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. 67.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 176 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,923 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,300 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,913 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $398 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Housing Units | 176 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,923 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.06% |
In Readstown, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:966. The dentist ratio is 1:3,106. 54.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Readstown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:966 |
| Dentists | 1:3,106 |
| Mental Health | 1:577 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 52.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,508/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 75 |
Readstown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 47.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 760 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 222/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4487°N, 90.7591°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Vernon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.70"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| 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 High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
329 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 414 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
83 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
92 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
OS 23 |
571 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Readstown has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.7") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Readstown. 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 Readstown
What is the population of Readstown?
Readstown has a population of 380 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 222 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 59.7% female and 40.3% male.
Is Readstown expensive to live in?
Readstown 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 $32,083, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,300 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $398 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Readstown?
Readstown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 47.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Readstown?
The unemployment rate in Readstown is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $905. There are 828 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Readstown?
The median home value in Readstown is $97,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,913. For renters, the median monthly rent is $398. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,923.
How are the schools in Readstown?
Schools in Readstown score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.1% of adults in Readstown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Readstown?
The obesity rate in Readstown is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 54.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:966.
What is transportation like in Readstown?
The average commute in Readstown is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Readstown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Readstown is 96.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.