Median Income
$51,472
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,700
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
223/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$681
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Richland Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,030
Median Age44.2 yrs
Density1,072/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,472
Per Capita$30,280
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty9.9%
County GDP$1,004M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,700
Rent$681
Ownership59.6%
Zillow$184,370
Housing Units2,604
Rent Burden26.1%
Crime
F
Violent223/100K
Property1,117/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault142/100K
Burglary122/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking17.5%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation760 ft (232 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute17 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Richland Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Richland Center receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Richland Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Richland Center is $51,472, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Richland Center is $137,700, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Richland Center is below the national average at 223 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,117 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Richland Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 18°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 39.5 inches, including 40.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Richland Center has a population of 5,030 with a density of 1,072 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 44.2 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.6%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.2yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Richland Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.1%
47% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Richland Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Richland Center is $51,472, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,280 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $900, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 542 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Richland Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,472 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,280 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,197 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 542 |
| County GDP | $1,004M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 52 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,543 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Richland Center is $137,700, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,370, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $681 (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. 59.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,604 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $5,543 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,370 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $681 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,604 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,543 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.03% |
In Richland Center, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,324. The dentist ratio is 1:1,899. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Richland Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,324 |
| Dentists | 1:1,899 |
| Mental Health | 1:661 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,313/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 52 |
Richland Center has a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 142.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 81.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,117 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 894, burglary at 122, vehicle theft at 102 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Richland Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Richland Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 223.4/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 81.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 142.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,117.2/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Burglary | 121.9/100K |
| Theft | 893.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 101.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Richland Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 18°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 39.5 inches. The area receives 40.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 760 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,072/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3405°N, 90.3834°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very 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
412 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 475 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
53 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
54 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 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
92 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
92 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
52 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Richland Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Richland Center. 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 | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Richland Center
What is the population of Richland Center?
Richland Center has a population of 5,030 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,072 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Richland Center expensive to live in?
Richland Center 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 $51,472, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,700 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Richland Center safe?
Richland Center is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,117 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Richland Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Richland Center?
Richland Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°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 39.5 inches, with 40.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Richland Center?
The job market in Richland Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $900. There are 542 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Richland Center?
The median home value in Richland Center is $137,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,370. For renters, the median monthly rent is $681. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,543.
How are the schools in Richland Center?
Schools in Richland Center score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Richland Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Richland Center?
The obesity rate in Richland Center is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,324.
What is transportation like in Richland Center?
The average commute in Richland Center is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Richland Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Richland Center is 92.6% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
