Everything You Should Know Before Moving to River Falls, WI
Considering a move to River Falls, WI? This vibrant city of 16,182 offers affordable living, with a median home price of $310,000 and average rent at $1,125. Residents benefit from a short average commute of 19.6 minutes, low violent crime rates (104 per 100k), and excellent educational opportunities including the UW–River Falls campus. With a youthful vibe, strong public schools, and four-season climate, River Falls is a welcoming community for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - River Falls, WI
Demographics - River Falls, WI
River Falls is a youthful city with a population of 16,182 and a median age of just 24.1 years, creating a lively community atmosphere. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a comfortable blend of small-town friendliness and urban convenience.
Population:
16,182
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in River Falls, WI?
River Falls offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, making it an affordable choice for individuals and families. The median home value is $310,000, with average rent around $1,125 and utility costs that are in line with national norms. State income taxes are moderate, helping residents manage everyday expenses without strain.
Median House Value:
$310,000
Gross Rent:
$1,125
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,695
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.6
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
91.0
Utilities:
100.0
Transportation:
94.1
Health Care:
103.2
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is River Falls, WI a safe place to live?
River Falls is a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 104 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime risk well below urban averages. Residents enjoy a 1 in 960 chance of experiencing violent crime, supporting a sense of security for families and individuals. The city's overall crime index reflects its reputation as a peaceful place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
104
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,184
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 960
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in River Falls, WI year-round?
Residents in River Falls experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The area sees about 32 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 52% of the year, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Seasonal changes bring scenic beauty and a variety of activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
27°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
River Falls is known for its educated and close-knit community, with nearly 98% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree rate above 41%. The median household income stands at $67,800, and the area experiences a low unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Short average commute times and low public transport usage reflect the city's manageable size and convenience.
Median Income:
$30,100
Household Income:
$67,800
Family Income:
$92,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,800
Income Male:
$43,900
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,125
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
41.2%
Education
How are the schools in River Falls, WI?
River Falls offers strong educational opportunities at every level, from well-rated public and private schools to the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, which enrolls nearly 6,000 students. Public schools boast low student-teacher ratios, supporting personalized instruction. The city’s educational resources make it a great place for families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
Meyer Middle School
Street:
230 N 9th St
Phone:
715-425-1820
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Name:
Rocky Branch Elementary School
Street:
2600 County Rd MM
Phone:
715-425-1819
Students:
490
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Bridget Parish School
Street:
135 E Division St
Phone:
715-425-1872
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–River Falls
City:
River Falls
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals nearby and 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.8%, and the local healthcare index indicates reliable and accessible services. Emergency care is readily available, providing peace of mind to families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
River Falls Area Hospital
Address:
1629 E Division St, River Falls, WI 54022
Phone:
(715) 307-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Hudson Hospital & Clinic
Address:
405 Stageline Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
Phone:
(715) 531-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in River Falls, WI?
The River Falls housing market is balanced and accessible, with a median home price of $310,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $1,125. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% in the past year, making it a stable investment for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,125
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for River Falls residents are provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, with the nearest DMV office located in Baldwin. The office offers a full range of services, including licensing, registration, and title processing. Residents can access additional resources and online services via the state DMV website.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1670 10th Ave, Baldwin, WI 54002
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.