Barron, WI
Population 3,689 · Wisconsin
About Barron, WI
Barron is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 3,689 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,715 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Barron features a median home value of $119,500, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Barron one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $927, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,597 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (1,086 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (420 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barron shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Barron have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Barron residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.8% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Barron, WI
Compared to national averages, Barron has a median household income of $49,715 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,500, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $927 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Barron's income is 32% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 42% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Barron, WI?
Barron offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $927/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,715) that falls below the national average. However, Barron’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Barron has a population of 3,689 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Barron with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Barron
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomer | 3,691 | $55,595 | $194,000 | Compare |
| Arcadia | 3,720 | $65,275 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Omro | 3,639 | $67,426 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Combined Locks | 3,633 | $89,310 | $235,800 | Compare |
| Stanley | 3,774 | $47,857 | $153,200 | Compare |
| Rochester | 3,780 | $104,429 | $340,900 | Compare |
| Horicon | 3,797 | $49,556 | $162,400 | Compare |
| Marshall | 3,806 | $84,462 | $233,000 | 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 Barron With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Barron
What is the population of Barron, WI?
The population of Barron, WI is 3,689 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Barron?
The median household income in Barron, WI is $49,715 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barron?
The median home value in Barron, WI is $119,500, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Barron?
The median monthly rent in Barron, WI is $927, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barron?
The unemployment rate in Barron, WI is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Barron, WI a good place to live?
Barron offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,689 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Barron, WI?
15.7% of residents in Barron 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 Barron?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barron, WI: median home value is $119,500 (51% below national), median rent is $927/month, and median household income is $49,715. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Barron?
The poverty rate in Barron, WI is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Barron, WI?
Barron's population is 3.8% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 8.9% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.