Cost of Living in Black River Falls, WI
Population 3,514 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Black River Falls a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $152,000.
Black River Falls lies roughly 85 miles east of the nearest major metro, Rochester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Black River Falls
The median home value in Black River Falls is $152,300 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $718/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,712/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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 58.6°F and lows of 39.1°F, with about 46.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Black River Falls has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
Black River Falls has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 33 | 46 | 60 | 72 | 82 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 62 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 26 | 38 | 50 | 60 | 65 | 62 | 54 | 42 | 30 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.25 | 1.19 | 2.04 | 3.75 | 4.33 | 5.08 | 4.23 | 3.90 | 3.63 | 2.49 | 1.85 | 1.49 |
| Snow" | 11.8 | 9.7 | 7.3 | 2.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 3.4 | 10.9 |
💨 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 Black River Falls, WI?
Black River Falls has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Black River Falls, WI?
The median gross rent in Black River Falls is $718 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Black River Falls?
The median home value in Black River Falls is $152,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Black River Falls?
The median household income in Black River Falls is $57,712 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Black River Falls, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Black River Falls is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Black River Falls, WI affordable?
Yes, Black River Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Black River Falls?
Black River Falls has average high temperatures of 58.6°F and average lows of 39.1°F. Annual precipitation is 35.2". Average annual snowfall is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Black River Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 3,514
- Median Income
- $57,712
- Home Value
- $152,300
- Median Rent
- $718/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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