Cost of Living in Beaver Dam, WI
Population 16,629 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Beaver Dam can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $190,000 against $68,757 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Beaver Dam is about 40 miles northeast of Madison, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Madison's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Beaver Dam
The median home value in Beaver Dam is $189,800 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $942/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,757/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 56.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, Beaver Dam has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 30 | 42 | 56 | 68 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 59 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 24 | 35 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.73 | 0.69 | 1.72 | 2.79 | 3.31 | 4.14 | 3.40 | 3.45 | 2.86 | 2.54 | 1.84 | 0.92 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Beaver Dam, WI?
Beaver Dam has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Beaver Dam, WI?
The median gross rent in Beaver Dam is $942 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Beaver Dam?
The median home value in Beaver Dam is $189,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Beaver Dam?
The median household income in Beaver Dam is $68,757 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Beaver Dam, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Beaver Dam is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Beaver Dam, WI affordable?
Yes, Beaver Dam is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Beaver Dam?
Beaver Dam has average high temperatures of 56.0°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 28.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Beaver Dam at a Glance
- Population
- 16,629
- Median Income
- $68,757
- Home Value
- $189,800
- Median Rent
- $942/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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