Baraboo, WI, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 12,556, Baraboo is a quiet, rural outpost in central Wisconsin. The tax burden is heavy, as the city's median household income of $38,375 lags behind the national average. Bitter winters are also the norm, with temperatures plummeting as low as -45°F. On the plus side, residents enjoy easy access to the scenic Baraboo Hills and Devil's Lake State Park. However, the bureaucratic headaches of running the county courthouse and other municipal services can be a persistent thorn in the side. Overall, Baraboo is best suited for those seeking a slower pace of life and a lower cost of living, though the harsh winters may deter some.