Median Income
$65,880
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,700
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$877
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Stratford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,439
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density271/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,880
Per Capita$45,045
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$5,263M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,700
Rent$877
Ownership74.7%
Zillow$261,080
Housing Units672
Rent Burden22.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property68/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking14.4%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,273 ft (388 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute19 min
Broadband90.2%
EV Stations9
Libraries6
Is Stratford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stratford receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Stratford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stratford is $65,880, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stratford is $189,700, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $877 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Stratford is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 68 per 100,000, 97% below the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Stratford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.9 inches, including 57.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Stratford has a population of 1,439 with a density of 271 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Stratford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Stratford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Stratford is $65,880, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,045 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,087, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,131 business establishments, including 181 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Stratford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,880 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,045 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,087 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,016 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,131 |
| County GDP | $5,263M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 181 |
| Healthcare | 234 |
| Retail | 240 |
| Manufacturing | 115 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,252 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Stratford is $189,700, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,080, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 104.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $877 (25% 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. 74.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 672 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $5,252 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,700 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,080 |
| Median List Price | $1,200,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $1,200,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $137 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 104.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $877 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.3% |
| Housing Units | 672 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,252 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Stratford, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:726. The dentist ratio is 1:1,138. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stratford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:726 |
| Dentists | 1:1,138 |
| Mental Health | 1:503 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,716/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 234 |
Stratford has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 68 per 100,000, 97% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Stratford receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Stratford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 67.8/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Stratford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°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 33.9 inches. The area receives 57.1 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 1,273 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,273 ft (388 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 271/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7976°N, 90.0706°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wood County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.9"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
286 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
95 km |
4 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
80 km |
6 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
34 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 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
63 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
72 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
63 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
81 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
72 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Stratford has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Stratford. 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stratford
What is the population of Stratford?
Stratford has a population of 1,439 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 271 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Stratford expensive to live in?
Stratford 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 $65,880, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,700 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $877 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Stratford safe?
Stratford is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 68 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Stratford receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Stratford?
Stratford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.9 inches, with 57.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Stratford?
The job market in Stratford is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,087. There are 2,131 business establishments in the area, including 181 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stratford?
The median home value in Stratford is $189,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,080. For renters, the median monthly rent is $877. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,252.
How are the schools in Stratford?
Schools in Stratford score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in Stratford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stratford?
The obesity rate in Stratford is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:726.
What is transportation like in Stratford?
The average commute in Stratford is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stratford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stratford is 93.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
