Median Income
$44,474
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,800
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
500/100K
32% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$803
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Spooner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,203
Median Age54.2 yrs
Density547/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,474
Per Capita$29,179
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$800M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,800
Rent$803
Ownership53.3%
Zillow$281,440
Housing Units1,183
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent500/100K
Property1,617/100K
Murder38.5/100K
Assault308/100K
Burglary115/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.4%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,093 ft (333 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute17 min
Broadband77.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Spooner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spooner receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Spooner has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Spooner is $44,474, 41% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.4% 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 Spooner is $141,800, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $803 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 500 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,617 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Spooner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.6 inches, including 55.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Spooner has a population of 2,203 with a density of 547 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 54.2 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (86.9%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.2yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Spooner is $44,474, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,179 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 611 business establishments, including 73 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). 19.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,474 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,179 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,050 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 611 |
| County GDP | $800M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,359 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.7% |
The median home value in Spooner is $141,800, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,440, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $803 (31% 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. 53.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,183 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $5,359 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,800 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $281,440 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $803 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,183 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,359 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.78% |
In Spooner, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047. The dentist ratio is 1:2,416. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spooner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,047 |
| Dentists | 1:2,416 |
| Mental Health | 1:677 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,092/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Spooner has a violent crime rate of 500 per 100,000 residents, 32% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 307.9 per 100,000, robbery at 38.5, rape at 115.5. The murder rate is 38.5 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,617 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,501, burglary at 115, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Spooner receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Spooner vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 500.4/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
| Murder | 38.5/100K |
| 511% above US avg |
| Rape | 115.5/100K |
| Robbery | 38.5/100K |
| Assault | 307.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,616.6/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Burglary | 115.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,501.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spooner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°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 31.6 inches. The area receives 55.7 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 1,093 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,093 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 547/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8259°N, 91.8861°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washburn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.6"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
186 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 152 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1990 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1990 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1986 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1982 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF2 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF2 |
89 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1971 |
EF2 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
74 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
72 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,068 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
56 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
BN COMPLEX 2 |
547 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Spooner has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Spooner. 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 Spooner
What is the population of Spooner?
Spooner has a population of 2,203 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 547 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Spooner expensive to live in?
Spooner 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 $44,474, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,800 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $803 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Spooner safe?
The violent crime rate in Spooner is 500 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,617 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Spooner receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Spooner?
Spooner has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.6 inches, with 55.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Spooner?
Spooner has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 611 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 19.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Spooner?
The median home value in Spooner is $141,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,440. For renters, the median monthly rent is $803. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,359.
How are the schools in Spooner?
Schools in Spooner score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Spooner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spooner?
The obesity rate in Spooner is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047.
What is transportation like in Spooner?
The average commute in Spooner is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spooner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spooner is 86.9% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
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