Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chetek, WI
Thinking of moving to Chetek, WI? This friendly lakeside city of about 2,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $780. Chetek features short commutes (about 19 minutes), low violent crime, and a scenic climate with four distinct seasons. The area provides solid public schools and access to major healthcare facilities in nearby towns, making it an inviting spot for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle and outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Chetek, WI
Demographics - Chetek, WI
Chetek is a small, close-knit city with a population of just over 2,000, where the median age is 48.2, reflecting a mature community. The area is predominantly White, and households tend to be balanced in gender, welcoming a modest percentage of non-English speakers. Residents enjoy a friendly, slower-paced lifestyle typical of northern Wisconsin towns.
Population:
2,084
Density:
740 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chetek, WI?
Chetek offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $165,000 and monthly rents averaging $780, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. The cost of living index is notably below the national average, and utilities and everyday expenses remain reasonable. State taxes are moderate, further supporting the city’s reputation for affordability.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
97.6
Housing:
69.0
Utilities:
102.3
Transportation:
94.1
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
92.8
Crime
Is Chetek, WI a safe place to live?
Chetek experiences relatively low violent crime rates, with the chance of being a victim at about 1 in 715. Property crime is somewhat more common, but overall, the community is considered safe and secure. Many residents appreciate the city's small-town safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
140
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,600
Crime Index:
1,740
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 715
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Chetek, WI year-round?
Residents in Chetek enjoy four distinct seasons, from cold, snowy winters with lows near 3°F to warm, pleasant summers reaching highs of 81°F. The city receives about 32.5 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine on over half of its days. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Chetek's residents have a median household income of about $42,200 and a family income around $54,300, reflecting a modest but stable economic base. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a convenient 19 minutes. The area maintains a friendly, small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$42,200
Family Income:
$54,300
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$26,300
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.3%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.7%
Education
How are the schools in Chetek, WI?
Chetek provides solid educational opportunities through its public schools, which offer low student-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment. Private schooling options and proximity to colleges like UW–Eau Claire – Barron County and Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake expand higher education choices. Families find the educational infrastructure well-suited for students from preschool through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School
Street:
1001 Knapp Street
Phone:
715-924-3137
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Middle School
Street:
1001 Knapp Street
Phone:
715-924-3137
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
Chetek Lutheran School
Street:
1419 2nd Street
Phone:
715-924-4876
Students:
40
Colleges
Name:
UW–Eau Claire – Barron County
City:
Rice Lake
State:
WI
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
400
Name:
Northwood Technical College
City:
Rice Lake
State:
WI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Chetek, with major hospitals like Mayo Clinic Health System and Lakeview Medical Center just a short drive away. The city enjoys a high rate of health insurance coverage (over 91%), and local resources ensure residents are well supported. The presence of multiple providers offers peace of mind to families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Northland in Barron
Address:
1222 E Woodland Ave, Barron, WI 54812
Phone:
(715) 537-3186
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lakeview Medical Center
Address:
1700 West Stout Street, Rice Lake, WI 54868
Phone:
(715) 236-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chetek, WI?
The Chetek housing market is marked by affordable median home prices near $165,000 and a high homeownership rate of 68%. Rental options are accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $780 and a moderate vacancy rate. The local market is stable, showing steady appreciation and few foreclosures.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Chetek can access DMV services through the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles, located nearby in Barron. The department provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, with further information and online resources available on the Wisconsin DMV website. This convenient access makes handling vehicle needs straightforward for locals.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2131 E. Divison Ave, Barron, WI 54812
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.