Median Income
$96,250
28% higher than US avg
Home Value
$275,600
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.6%
18% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Tainter Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,753
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density149/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$96,250
Per Capita$46,329
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$2,581M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$275,600
Rent$883
Ownership85.9%
Zillow$294,752
Housing Units1,277
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property2,574/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.1%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation878 ft (268 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.6%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+16.9%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.6%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Tainter Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tainter Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Tainter Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tainter Lake is $96,250, 28% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tainter Lake is $275,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $883 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
Violent crime in Tainter Lake is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,574 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Tainter Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°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 34.2 inches, including 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Tainter Lake has a population of 2,753 with a density of 149 people per square mile, spread across 21.4 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Tainter Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Tainter Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Tainter Lake is $96,250, which is 28% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,329 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,151 business establishments, including 99 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes. 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Tainter Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $96,250 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,329 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,699 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,151 |
| County GDP | $2,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 99 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Tainter Lake is $275,600, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,752. Homes sell for 100.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% 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. 85.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,277 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $5,168 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% 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 | $275,600 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,752 |
| Median List Price | $452,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $452,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $210 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.2% |
| Price Drops | 7.7% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,277 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.88% |
In Tainter Lake, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,340. The dentist ratio is 1:2,536. 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tainter Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,340 |
| Dentists | 1:2,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:440 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,952/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Tainter Lake has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,574 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tainter Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tainter Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.3/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,574.0/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tainter Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°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 34.2 inches. The area receives 40.9 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 878 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 878 ft (268 m) |
| Area | 21.4 sq mi (55.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9891°N, 91.8482°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dunn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| 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 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
338 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 43 fatalities, 399 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
39 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
52 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
31 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Tainter Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Tainter Lake. 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 Tainter Lake
What is the population of Tainter Lake?
Tainter Lake has a population of 2,753 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 149 people per square mile, spread across 21.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Tainter Lake expensive to live in?
Tainter Lake 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 $96,250, 28% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $275,600 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $883 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 Tainter Lake safe?
Tainter Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,574 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tainter Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tainter Lake?
Tainter Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 34.2 inches, with 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Tainter Lake?
The job market in Tainter Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 1,151 business establishments in the area, including 99 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tainter Lake?
The median home value in Tainter Lake is $275,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,752. For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,168.
How are the schools in Tainter Lake?
Schools in Tainter Lake score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.6% of adults in Tainter Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 16.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tainter Lake?
The obesity rate in Tainter Lake is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,340.
What is transportation like in Tainter Lake?
The average commute in Tainter Lake is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tainter Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tainter Lake is 95.8% White. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.