Median Income
$73,750
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,042
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Wheeler Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population262
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density320/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans11.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,750
Per Capita$28,604
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$2,994M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$1,042
Ownership79.6%
Zillow$294,752
Housing Units120
Rent Burden37.1%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property2,574/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.4%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation926 ft (282 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+89.0%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 33%
Commute29 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Wheeler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wheeler receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Wheeler has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wheeler is $73,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wheeler is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,042 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wheeler 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
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Wheeler has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°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 35.6 inches, including 51.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Wheeler has a population of 262 with a density of 320 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
The median household income in Wheeler is $73,750, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,604 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $923, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,569 business establishments, including 162 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,604 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $923 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,445 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,569 |
| County GDP | $2,994M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 162 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 204 |
| Manufacturing | 84 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,272 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Wheeler is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,752, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,042 (10% 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. 79.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,272 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,752 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $139 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,042 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.4% |
| Housing Units | 120 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,272 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.69% |
In Wheeler, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:994. The dentist ratio is 1:1,378. 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wheeler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:994 |
| Dentists | 1:1,378 |
| Mental Health | 1:976 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,673/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Wheeler 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 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wheeler 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) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wheeler has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°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 35.6 inches. The area receives 51.0 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
12°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 926 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 320/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0438°N, 91.8993°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Barron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.8 / 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 High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
335 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 43 fatalities, 401 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
38 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
58 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
36 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Wheeler has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 12°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Wheeler. 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 Wheeler
What is the population of Wheeler?
Wheeler has a population of 262 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 320 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Wheeler expensive to live in?
Wheeler 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 $73,750, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,042 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wheeler safe?
Wheeler 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, Wheeler receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wheeler?
Wheeler has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°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 35.6 inches, with 51.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Wheeler?
Wheeler has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $923. There are 1,569 business establishments in the area, including 162 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wheeler?
The median home value in Wheeler is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,752. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,042. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,272.
How are the schools in Wheeler?
Schools in Wheeler score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.0% of adults in Wheeler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.0% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wheeler?
The obesity rate in Wheeler is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:994.
What is transportation like in Wheeler?
The average commute in Wheeler is 29 minutes. 80.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wheeler?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wheeler is 95.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 30.6% of residents have a disability. 88.2% have health insurance coverage.
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