Richland Center, WI
Population 5,030 · Wisconsin
About Richland Center, WI
Richland Center is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 5,030 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,472 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.2 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 Richland Center features a median home value of $137,700, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Richland Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $681, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,683 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (1,391 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (944 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Richland Center shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Richland Center have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Richland Center 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 4.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Richland Center, WI
Compared to national averages, Richland Center has a median household income of $51,472 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,700, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $681 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Richland Center's income is 29% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 33% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Richland Center, WI?
Richland Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $681/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,472) that falls below the national average. However, Richland Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Richland Center has a population of 5,030 with a median age of 44.2 years. Compare Richland Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Richland Center
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Lake | 5,028 | $100,306 | $357,500 | Compare |
| Dodgeville | 5,013 | $72,768 | $234,000 | Compare |
| Lake Wisconsin | 5,051 | $116,053 | $421,500 | Compare |
| Summit | 4,997 | $124,750 | $510,200 | Compare |
| Union Grove | 4,968 | $94,621 | $258,100 | Compare |
| Mayville | 5,169 | $66,453 | $184,800 | Compare |
| Tichigan | 5,173 | $124,821 | $386,600 | Compare |
| Bristol | 5,196 | $109,917 | $288,800 | 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 Richland Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Richland Center
What is the population of Richland Center, WI?
The population of Richland Center, WI is 5,030 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 Richland Center?
The median household income in Richland Center, WI is $51,472 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Richland Center?
The median home value in Richland Center, WI is $137,700, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Richland Center?
The median monthly rent in Richland Center, WI is $681, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Richland Center?
The unemployment rate in Richland Center, WI is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Richland Center, WI a good place to live?
Richland Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,030 and a median age of 44.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Richland Center, WI?
18.5% of residents in Richland Center 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 Richland Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Richland Center, WI: median home value is $137,700 (44% below national), median rent is $681/month, and median household income is $51,472. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Richland Center?
The poverty rate in Richland Center, WI is 17.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Richland Center, WI?
Richland Center's population is 4.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.