Baraboo, WI
Population 12,506 · Wisconsin
About Baraboo, WI
Baraboo is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 12,506 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,515 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Baraboo features a median home value of $201,800, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Baraboo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $926, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,139 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (3,814 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,933 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Baraboo shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Baraboo have an average one-way commute time of 23.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.7% of Baraboo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Baraboo, WI
Compared to national averages, Baraboo has a median household income of $73,515 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $201,800, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $926 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Baraboo's income is 1% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 2% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Baraboo, WI?
Baraboo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $201,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $926/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,515) that falls below the national average. However, Baraboo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Baraboo has a population of 12,506 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Baraboo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Baraboo
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Atkinson | 12,490 | $75,350 | $198,600 | Compare |
| Port Washington | 12,569 | $81,582 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Brown Deer | 12,615 | $91,567 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Cedarburg | 12,317 | $82,110 | $386,400 | Compare |
| Grafton | 12,274 | $88,634 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Greenville | 12,911 | $110,103 | $337,100 | Compare |
| Suamico | 13,003 | $113,614 | $341,100 | Compare |
| Stoughton | 13,063 | $78,517 | $283,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Baraboo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Baraboo
What is the population of Baraboo, WI?
The population of Baraboo, WI is 12,506 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Baraboo?
The median household income in Baraboo, WI is $73,515 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Baraboo?
The median home value in Baraboo, WI is $201,800, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Baraboo?
The median monthly rent in Baraboo, WI is $926, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Baraboo?
The unemployment rate in Baraboo, WI is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Baraboo, WI a good place to live?
Baraboo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,506 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Baraboo, WI?
26.7% of residents in Baraboo aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Baraboo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Baraboo, WI: median home value is $201,800 (18% below national), median rent is $926/month, and median household income is $73,515. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Baraboo?
The poverty rate in Baraboo, WI is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Baraboo, WI?
Baraboo's population is 2.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.