Median Income
$66,846
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$203,300
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
777/100K
104% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.4%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$886
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Wisconsin Dells Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,763
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density352/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,846
Per Capita$35,954
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$5,577M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$203,300
Rent$886
Ownership62.8%
Zillow$290,100
Housing Units1,690
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent777/100K
Property7,729/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault518/100K
Burglary629/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation889 ft (271 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.4%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute20 min
Broadband74.1%
EV Stations7
Libraries9
Is Wisconsin Dells a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wisconsin Dells receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Wisconsin Dells offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wisconsin Dells is $66,846, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wisconsin Dells is $203,300, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $886 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 777 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,729 per 100,000, 294% above the national average.
Education
24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wisconsin Dells experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Wisconsin Dells has a population of 2,763 with a density of 352 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (86.4%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wisconsin Dells vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wisconsin Dells vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wisconsin Dells is $66,846, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,954. The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,219 business establishments, including 261 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wisconsin Dells vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,846 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,954 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,772 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,219 |
| County GDP | $5,577M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 261 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 298 |
| Manufacturing | 86 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.6% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Wisconsin Dells is $203,300, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,100, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $886 (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. 62.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,690 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,911 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $203,300 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,100 |
| Median List Price | $239,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $239,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $151 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.0% |
| Price Drops | 11.4% |
| Inventory | 35 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $886 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,690 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.91% |
In Wisconsin Dells, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,462. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wisconsin Dells vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,462 |
| Mental Health | 1:496 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,554/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Wisconsin Dells has a violent crime rate of 777 per 100,000 residents, 104% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 517.8 per 100,000, robbery at 37.0, rape at 221.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 7,729 per 100,000, 294% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 6,842, burglary at 629, vehicle theft at 259 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wisconsin Dells receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wisconsin Dells vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 776.6/100K |
| 104% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 221.9/100K |
| Robbery | 37.0/100K |
| Assault | 517.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,729.3/100K |
| 294% above US avg |
| Burglary | 628.7/100K |
| Theft | 6,841.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 258.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 135 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wisconsin Dells experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. The area receives 40.7 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 889 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 889 ft (271 m) |
| Area | 7.7 sq mi (20.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 352/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6384°N, 89.7758°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sauk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0488 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
454 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 697 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
76 km |
9 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
72 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
86 km |
6 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 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 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
66 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
71 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
68 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
67 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Wisconsin Dells has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells
What is the population of Wisconsin Dells?
Wisconsin Dells has a population of 2,763 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 352 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Wisconsin Dells expensive to live in?
Wisconsin Dells 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 $66,846, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $203,300 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $886 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wisconsin Dells safe?
Public safety is a concern in Wisconsin Dells, with a violent crime rate of 777 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,729 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wisconsin Dells receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wisconsin Dells?
Wisconsin Dells has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Wisconsin Dells?
The unemployment rate in Wisconsin Dells is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 2,219 business establishments in the area, including 261 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wisconsin Dells?
The median home value in Wisconsin Dells is $203,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,100. For renters, the median monthly rent is $886. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,911.
How are the schools in Wisconsin Dells?
Schools in Wisconsin Dells score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.4% of adults in Wisconsin Dells hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wisconsin Dells?
The obesity rate in Wisconsin Dells is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Wisconsin Dells?
The average commute in Wisconsin Dells is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.6% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wisconsin Dells?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wisconsin Dells is 86.4% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
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