Beaver Dam, WI
Population 16,629 · Wisconsin
About Beaver Dam, WI
Beaver Dam is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 16,629 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,757 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Beaver Dam features a median home value of $189,800, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Beaver Dam in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $942, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,132 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (4,238 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (3,565 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Beaver Dam shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Beaver Dam have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.3% of Beaver Dam 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 8.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Beaver Dam Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Beaver Dam, WI
Compared to national averages, Beaver Dam has a median household income of $68,757 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $189,800, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $942 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Beaver Dam's income is 5% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 8% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Beaver Dam, WI?
Beaver Dam offers affordable housing with a median home value of $189,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $942/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,757) that falls below the national average. However, Beaver Dam’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Beaver Dam has a population of 16,629 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare Beaver Dam with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Beaver Dam
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menomonie | 16,548 | $54,587 | $203,800 | Compare |
| River Falls | 16,349 | $78,078 | $299,800 | Compare |
| Ashwaubenon | 16,931 | $71,180 | $245,100 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 16,255 | $80,750 | $267,700 | Compare |
| Kaukauna | 17,237 | $78,353 | $198,800 | Compare |
| Weston | 15,784 | $75,565 | $215,900 | Compare |
| Hartford | 15,761 | $74,252 | $261,300 | Compare |
| Whitewater | 15,705 | $49,000 | $211,800 | 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 Beaver Dam With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Beaver Dam
What is the population of Beaver Dam, WI?
The population of Beaver Dam, WI is 16,629 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 Beaver Dam?
The median household income in Beaver Dam, WI is $68,757 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Beaver Dam?
The median home value in Beaver Dam, WI is $189,800, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Beaver Dam?
The median monthly rent in Beaver Dam, WI is $942, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Beaver Dam?
The unemployment rate in Beaver Dam, WI is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Beaver Dam, WI a good place to live?
Beaver Dam offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,629 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Beaver Dam, WI?
27.3% of residents in Beaver Dam 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 Beaver Dam?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Beaver Dam, WI: median home value is $189,800 (22% below national), median rent is $942/month, and median household income is $68,757. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Beaver Dam?
The poverty rate in Beaver Dam, WI is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Beaver Dam, WI?
Beaver Dam's population is 8.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.