Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Baraboo, WI
Considering a move to Baraboo, WI? With about 12,000 residents, Baraboo offers affordable living, with median home values around $215,000 and average rents near $900. The city’s violent crime rate is low at 173 per 100K, and commutes average just 21 minutes. Families appreciate the strong public schools and the friendly, small-town atmosphere, while the area enjoys all four seasons and 56% sunny days yearly. Explore more about local schools, housing, and lifestyle below to see if Baraboo is the right fit for you.
Demographics - Baraboo, WI
Demographics - Baraboo, WI
Baraboo is home to just over 12,000 residents, featuring a median age of 39 and a community that is predominantly White, with small percentages of other ethnicities. The city has a balanced gender ratio and about 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a largely close-knit, Midwestern atmosphere.
Population:
12,114
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Baraboo, WI?
Living in Baraboo is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $215,000. Typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $900, and utility costs and groceries remain affordable, making it an attractive option for both renters and homebuyers.
Median House Value:
$215,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.6
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Baraboo, WI a safe place to live?
Baraboo boasts a low violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 people, offering peace of mind for residents. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with residents facing a 1 in 64 chance annually, contributing to the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
173
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,552
Crime Index:
1,725
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 577
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Baraboo, WI year-round?
Residents in Baraboo experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 10°F and warm summers reaching highs near 82°F. The city receives about 33 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate diverse seasonal weather.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Baraboo’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $62,727, with a low unemployment rate of 3.7% and a poverty rate of 11.7%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute time is just under 21 minutes, supporting a comfortable and stable local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$35,900
Household Income:
$62,727
Family Income:
$75,100
Per Capita Income:
$30,010
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$36,300
Poverty Rate:
11.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Baraboo, WI?
Families in Baraboo benefit from well-regarded public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios that support personalized learning. The city is also home to a branch of the University of Wisconsin and is close to additional college campuses, making higher education accessible for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Baraboo High School
Street:
1201 Draper St
Phone:
608-355-3940
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Gordon L. Willson Elementary
Street:
146 Berkley Blvd
Phone:
608-355-3925
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
310 2nd St
Phone:
608-356-3083
Students:
155
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County
City:
Baraboo
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
600
Name:
Madison College – Reedsburg Campus
City:
Reedsburg
State:
WI
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Baraboo residents have access to quality healthcare through facilities like SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, and there are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at over 93%, ensuring that most residents can access essential medical services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital
Address:
707 14th St, Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone:
(608) 356-1400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Baraboo, WI?
The housing market in Baraboo is accessible, with median home prices at $215,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 60%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, while the rental market remains stable and affordable for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Baraboo residents can access DMV services locally through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation office on Maple Avenue, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient. The office provides full DMV services for drivers and vehicle owners in the area.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1001 Maple Avenue, Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
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.