Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chippewa Falls, WI
Thinking of moving to Chippewa Falls, WI? With a friendly population of around 14,500 and a median home price of just $187,000, this city offers affordable living and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 18 minutes, low crime rates (violent crime: 144 per 100k), and access to quality healthcare. Chippewa Falls boasts a solid public school system, four-season weather, and easy access to nearby colleges—making it a smart and comfortable choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Demographics - Chippewa Falls, WI
Demographics - Chippewa Falls, WI
Chippewa Falls is home to approximately 14,500 residents, with a median age of 40 and a population density that fosters a close-knit community. The city is predominantly White, with small but present minority groups, and about 4.6% of locals speak a language other than English at home. This creates a community that is both welcoming and easy to navigate for newcomers.
Population:
14,500
Density:
1,180 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chippewa Falls, WI?
Living in Chippewa Falls is notably affordable, with a median home value of $187,000 and average rent around $885 for a two-bedroom apartment. The cost of living index sits at 84, well below the national average, making everyday expenses—from groceries to utilities—manageable for most households. Residents also benefit from moderate state income tax rates and utility costs.
Median House Value:
$187,000
Gross Rent:
$885
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.0
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
67.2
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
110.1
Miscellaneous:
78.4
Crime
Is Chippewa Falls, WI a safe place to live?
Chippewa Falls boasts a low crime rate, with just 144 violent crimes and 1,224 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 694, providing peace of mind for families and individuals alike. The city is considered safe and secure, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
144
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,224
Crime Index:
1,368
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 694
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Chippewa Falls, WI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters (lows averaging 7°F) and warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 82°F. The city receives about 32.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Chippewa Falls earn a median income of $58,200, while the poverty rate stands at 12.1%. The community is well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma, and most people enjoy short commutes averaging just 18 minutes. Public transportation usage is low, reflecting the city's easy drivability and small-town feel.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$58,200
Family Income:
$75,600
Per Capita Income:
$30,200
Income Male:
$44,400
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.6%
Rent:
$885
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Chippewa Falls, WI?
Chippewa Falls offers a robust education system, featuring public schools like Chippewa Falls Senior High and Southview Elementary, as well as private options such as McDonell Central Catholic Schools. Student-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting personalized learning, and higher education is easily accessible with major colleges just 12–13 miles away in Eau Claire. These options provide strong educational pathways for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Chippewa Falls Senior High School
Street:
735 Terrill St
Phone:
715-726-2406
Students:
1,240
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.6
Name:
Southview Elementary School
Street:
615 A St
Phone:
715-726-2411
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
McDonell Central Catholic Schools
Street:
1316 Bel Air Blvd
Phone:
715-723-4777
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
City:
Eau Claire
State:
WI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Chippewa Valley Technical College
City:
Eau Claire
State:
WI
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
8,100
Healthcare
Chippewa Falls offers convenient access to healthcare, including two major hospitals—Marshfield Medical Center and HSHS St. Joseph’s—both providing emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 94%, locals benefit from reliable and accessible medical care. The city’s healthcare index is strong, supporting a healthy community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Marshfield Medical Center – Chippewa Falls
Address:
2655 County Hwy I, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone:
(715) 720-4478
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital
Address:
2661 County Hwy I, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone:
(715) 723-1811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chippewa Falls, WI?
The local housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $187,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $885. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 7.2% appreciation in home values over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a vibrant and secure housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$187,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$885
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can easily access DMV services through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Eau Claire office, located nearby at 725 W. Clairemont Ave. The office provides all standard vehicle and licensing services, and additional information is available on the Wisconsin DOT website. This makes managing driving and vehicle needs straightforward for Chippewa Falls locals.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
725 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701
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.