Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Balsam Lake, WI
Thinking of moving to Balsam Lake, WI? This scenic village of about 1,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $264,000 and average rents near $970. Residents enjoy low crime rates (83 violent crimes per 100K), reasonable commute times of 24 minutes, and easy access to year-round outdoor recreation. With good schools, a relaxed pace, and a classic four-season climate, Balsam Lake is a welcoming choice for those seeking small-town charm and value.
Demographics - Balsam Lake, WI
Demographics - Balsam Lake, WI
Balsam Lake is a close-knit village of just over 1,000 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of nearly 47 years. The gender balance is even, and the area has a modest presence of non-English speakers, reflecting a stable, mature community.
Population:
1,015
Density:
275 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.8
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.7%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Balsam Lake, WI?
Living in Balsam Lake is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values at $264,000. Housing, groceries, and utilities are all reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$264,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.7
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
79.6
Utilities:
97.9
Transportation:
94.2
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Balsam Lake, WI a safe place to live?
Balsam Lake boasts low crime rates, with only 83 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a low risk of property crime. Residents enjoy a safe, peaceful environment ideal for families and those seeking tranquility.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
83
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,233
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,200
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Balsam Lake, WI year-round?
Balsam Lake experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 3°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 80°F. With about 31.5 inches of annual rainfall and nearly half the days sunny, residents enjoy diverse outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
25°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $67,900 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a manageable 24 minutes, contributing to a comfortable small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$37,400
Household Income:
$67,900
Family Income:
$77,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,200
Income Male:
$41,600
Income Female:
$33,300
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.9%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Balsam Lake, WI?
Balsam Lake is served by the Unity School District, offering small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Higher education options, such as Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, are within reasonable driving distance for residents seeking advanced studies.

Public Schools
Name:
Unity School District
Street:
1908 150th St
Phone:
715-825-3515
Students:
955
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Colleges
Name:
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
City:
Rice Lake
State:
WI
Distance:
47 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Balsam Lake, with nearby hospitals like Amery Hospital & Clinic and Osceola Medical Center offering emergency services. The area has a good ratio of physicians and high rates of health insurance coverage, ensuring residents’ medical needs are well supported.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Amery Hospital & Clinic
Address:
265 Griffin St E, Amery, WI 54001
Phone:
(715) 268-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Osceola Medical Center
Address:
2600 65th Ave, Osceola, WI 54020
Phone:
(715) 294-2111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Balsam Lake, WI?
The housing market in Balsam Lake is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $264,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents around $970, and property values have seen healthy appreciation in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$264,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services for Balsam Lake residents are provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, with comprehensive information and online services available through their website. The main office is located in Madison, serving all licensing and vehicle registration needs.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) - Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5005 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705
Phone:
608-264-7447
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.