Median Income
$71,667
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$269,800
4% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$988
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.0%
21% higher than US avg
How Star Prairie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population579
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density271/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,667
Per Capita$37,254
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty15.0%
County GDP$6,015M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$269,800
Rent$988
Ownership76.1%
Zillow$362,943
Housing Units303
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property2,237/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation926 ft (282 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute25 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Star Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Star Prairie 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, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Star Prairie has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Star Prairie is $71,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Star Prairie is $269,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Star Prairie is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,237 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Star Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches, including 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Star Prairie has a population of 579 with a density of 271 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%), with 4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Star Prairie vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Star Prairie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Star Prairie is $71,667, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,254. The average weekly wage is $1,063, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,832 business establishments, including 226 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Star Prairie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,667 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,254 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,063 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $106,523 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,832 |
| County GDP | $6,015M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 226 |
| Healthcare | 248 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 172 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,317 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Star Prairie is $269,800, 4% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,943, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $988 (15% 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. 76.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 303 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $6,317 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $269,800 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $362,943 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.9% |
| Housing Units | 303 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,317 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.34% |
In Star Prairie, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,901. The dentist ratio is 1:2,182. 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Star Prairie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,901 |
| Dentists | 1:2,182 |
| Mental Health | 1:529 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 4,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 248 |
Star Prairie has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,237 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Star Prairie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Star Prairie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 149.9/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,237.3/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Star Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°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 30.5 inches. The area receives 42.6 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 926 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 926 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 271/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1975°N, 92.5321°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Croix County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.5"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
398 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 58 fatalities, 931 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
37 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
6 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNITS 37 38 39 A (4,879 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
95 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
46 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
96 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
68 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
97 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
UNIT 16 |
1,570 |
99 km |
| 1992 |
UNIT 25 |
1,460 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
HFR 08 - UNIT 20 |
1,168 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Star Prairie has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Star Prairie. 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 Star Prairie
What is the population of Star Prairie?
Star Prairie has a population of 579 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 271 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Star Prairie expensive to live in?
Star Prairie 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 $71,667, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $269,800 (4% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Star Prairie safe?
Star Prairie is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,237 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Star Prairie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Star Prairie?
Star Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.5 inches, with 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Star Prairie?
The job market in Star Prairie is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,063. There are 2,832 business establishments in the area, including 226 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Star Prairie?
The median home value in Star Prairie is $269,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,943. For renters, the median monthly rent is $988. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,317.
How are the schools in Star Prairie?
Schools in Star Prairie score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Star Prairie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Star Prairie?
The obesity rate in Star Prairie is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,901.
What is transportation like in Star Prairie?
The average commute in Star Prairie is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Star Prairie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Star Prairie is 89.8% White, 4% Black or African American. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
