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Medford vs Whittlesey

Medford, Wisconsin versus Whittlesey, Wisconsin: a factual, side-by-side comparison of cost of living, housing, safety, schools, and climate. Greener figures rank better among US places.

Overall livability

Medford

Mixed · objective livability37/100

Whittlesey

Mixed · objective livability42/100

Whittlesey edges out Medford on overall objective livability (42 vs 37 of 100), though each leads on different factors below.

Factor-by-factor comparison

FactorMedfordWhittlesey
Affordability
Median Household Income$54k$74k
Cost of Living$46k$46k
Home Value$147k$177k
Monthly Rent$791
Monthly Owner Costs$1k$36
Property Tax Rate1.82%1.30%
Income Tax7.60%7.60%
Sales Tax5.70%5.70%
Estimated total tax burden14.40%12.57%
Unemployment4.5%6.4%
Weather
Winter Temp (Jan)14°F14°F
Summer Temp (Jul)69°F69°F
Annual Precipitation34.2 in34.2 in
Annual Snowfall57.0 in57.0 in
Sunny Days211 days211 days
Summer Humidity60°F59°F
Comfortable Days80 days79 days
Safety & Wellbeing
Natural Disaster Risk65.569.9
Air Quality48 AQI48 AQI
School Quality29.729.7
Violent Crime1117/100k539/100k
Property Crime1815/100k850/100k
Community
Population4,31795
Median Age42.747.6
Racial Diversity0.120.00
Male/Female Ratio1.040.90
Political LeaningR+48R+48
White (%)92.5%100.0%
Black (%)0.1%0.0%
Hispanic (%)2.2%0.0%
Asian (%)0.4%0.0%
Other / Multiracial (%)4.7%0.0%
Getting Around
Walkability6.3/205.5/20
Airport Distance142 mi143 mi
Lifestyle & Connectivity
Broadband Access82.4%84.6%
Amenities Nearby64.86315.79
Park & Nature AccessModerateLimited

Each figure is colored by how it ranks among all US places: green is strong, amber average, red weaker. Neutral factors (population, demographics, target-style climate) show their percentile without a better/worse claim.

Frequently asked questions

Is Medford or Whittlesey more affordable?
Whittlesey has the lower cost of living: its index is $46k, compared with Medford's $46k and Whittlesey's $46k.
Is Medford or Whittlesey safer?
Whittlesey has the lower violent crime rate. Medford reports 1117/100k and Whittlesey reports 539/100k (violent crimes per 100,000 residents).
Are homes cheaper in Medford or Whittlesey?
The median home value is $147k in Medford and $177k in Whittlesey, so homes are more affordable in Medford.
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