Black River Falls, WI
Population 3,514 · Wisconsin
About Black River Falls, WI
Black River Falls is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 3,514 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,712 per year, which is 23% 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 Black River Falls features a median home value of $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Black River Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $718, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,723 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,068 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (655 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Black River Falls shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Black River Falls have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.2% of Black River Falls 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 0.8% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Black River Falls, WI
Compared to national averages, Black River Falls has a median household income of $57,712 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,300, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $718 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Black River Falls's income is 20% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 26% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Black River Falls, WI?
Black River Falls offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $718/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,712) that falls below the national average. However, Black River Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Black River Falls has a population of 3,514 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Black River Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Black River Falls
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Delton | 3,522 | $42,386 | $144,100 | Compare |
| Sauk City | 3,500 | $82,813 | $269,500 | Compare |
| Seymour | 3,532 | $80,787 | $167,500 | Compare |
| Merton | 3,495 | $168,661 | $539,900 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 3,542 | $78,103 | $219,100 | Compare |
| Tomahawk | 3,416 | $60,905 | $168,200 | Compare |
| Peshtigo | 3,404 | $65,433 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Combined Locks | 3,633 | $89,310 | $235,800 | 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 Black River Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Black River Falls
What is the population of Black River Falls, WI?
The population of Black River Falls, WI is 3,514 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 Black River Falls?
The median household income in Black River Falls, WI is $57,712 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Black River Falls?
The median home value in Black River Falls, WI is $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Black River Falls?
The median monthly rent in Black River Falls, WI is $718, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Black River Falls?
The unemployment rate in Black River Falls, WI is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Black River Falls, WI a good place to live?
Black River Falls offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,514 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Black River Falls, WI?
21.2% of residents in Black River Falls 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 Black River Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Black River Falls, WI: median home value is $152,300 (38% below national), median rent is $718/month, and median household income is $57,712. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Black River Falls?
The poverty rate in Black River Falls, WI is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Black River Falls, WI?
Black River Falls's population is 0.8% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.