Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

River Falls, WI Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

16,719

Median Agei

28.6

Race & Ethnicityi

White

93.1%15,561

Two or More

3.2%535

Hispanic/Latino

2%328

Asian

1.2%202

Black

0.2%33

Other

0.2%32

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1%15

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1%13

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

3.2%284

High School Diploma

17.8%1,587

Some College (<1 yr)

6.4%575

Some College (1+ yr)

13.7%1,222

Associate's Degree

12.5%1,119

Bachelor's Degree

31.3%2,798

Master's Degree

9.7%869

Professional Degree

1.7%148

Doctorate

2.2%196

HS or Higher

98.5%

BA or Higher

44.9%

Graduate+

13.6%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$327,600

Median Renti

$1,107

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

55.1%3,170

Renter-Occupied

44.9%2,584

Total Units

6,133

Homeownership

55.1%

Vacancy Rate

6.2%

Home Values

Under $50K

2.1%68

$50K–$100K

0.6%20

$100K–$150K

2.2%70

$150K–$200K

10.7%338

$200K–$300K

25.7%814

$300K–$500K

52%1,649

$500K–$1M

6.7%211

Rent Distribution

Under $500

212

$500–$750

375

$750–$1,000

493

$1,000–$1,250

435

$1,250–$1,500

258

$1,500–$2,000

442

$2,000+

319

Year Built

2020 or later

4.4%267

2010–2019

10.8%660

2000–2009

19.7%1,210

1990–1999

14.7%903

1980–1989

10.1%617

1970–1979

13.7%838

1960–1969

9.7%596

1950–1959

4.3%263

1940–1949

2.5%151

1939 or earlier

10.2%628

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

69.7%4,008

Electricity

26.5%1,523

Bottled/LP Gas

2.1%122

Other

1.2%70

Wood

0.5%31

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$83,627

Mean Household Incomei

$99,677

Per Capita Incomei

$36,945

Poverty Ratei

13.1%

Unemploymenti

3.3%

Labor Forcei

10,234

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

3.3%189

$10K–$15K

1.5%88

$15K–$20K

4.5%260

$20K–$25K

1.2%67

$25K–$30K

2.8%160

$30K–$35K

3.6%208

$35K–$40K

3.2%185

$40K–$45K

3.5%201

$45K–$50K

5.8%335

$50K–$60K

6%345

$60K–$75K

11.1%637

$75K–$100K

14.1%813

$100K–$125K

14.3%820

$125K–$150K

9.9%568

$150K–$200K

8.2%470

$200K+

7.1%408

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

179

Residentsi

296

Avg. Tenant Renti

$426/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

10 months

Programs in this community

Public Housing70 homes94% occupied$425/mo rent

Government-owned housing managed by local housing authorities

Housing Choice Vouchers76 homes71% occupied$434/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 833 homes90% occupied$412/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $83,627/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $25K/yr

83.7%

Very low income$25K–$42K/yr

16.3%

Who Receives This Housing

72.3% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

10.9% of subsidized households are minority

25.2% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

35.5% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

455(3.3% of civilian adults)