Median Income
$63,250
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$176,800
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Whittlesey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population93
Median Age56.8 yrs
Density82/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,250
Per Capita$43,790
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$1,109M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$176,800
Ownership93.6%
Zillow$232,714
Housing Units50
Rent Burden26.0%
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured19.4%
Smoking16.4%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Elevation1,495 ft (456 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Whittlesey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whittlesey receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Whittlesey offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whittlesey is $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Whittlesey is $176,800, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Whittlesey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches, including 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Whittlesey has a population of 93 with a density of 82 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 56.8 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 80.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
93
Total Population
2023 Census
56.8yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whittlesey vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Whittlesey vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Whittlesey is $63,250, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,790 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 538 business establishments, including 50 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). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whittlesey vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,250 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,790 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 538 |
| County GDP | $1,109M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Whittlesey is $176,800, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,714, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 50 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $4,657 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $176,800 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,714 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.4% |
| Housing Units | 50 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Whittlesey, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 19.5% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 19.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whittlesey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.6% |
| Uninsured | 19.4% |
| 126% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,985 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:802 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,980/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Whittlesey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. The area receives 57.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. 98% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,495 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-11°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,495 ft (456 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 82/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2206°N, 90.3232°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 97.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0438 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
247 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 261 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
90 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-11°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Whittlesey has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 11°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Whittlesey. 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 Whittlesey
What is the population of Whittlesey?
Whittlesey has a population of 93 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 82 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% male.
Is Whittlesey expensive to live in?
Whittlesey 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 $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $176,800 (37% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Whittlesey?
Whittlesey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Whittlesey?
The unemployment rate in Whittlesey is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 538 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whittlesey?
The median home value in Whittlesey is $176,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,714. The homeownership rate is 93.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,657.
How are the schools in Whittlesey?
Schools in Whittlesey score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in Whittlesey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whittlesey?
The obesity rate in Whittlesey is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 19.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985.
What is transportation like in Whittlesey?
The average commute in Whittlesey is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whittlesey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whittlesey is 100% White. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 80.6% have health insurance coverage.