If you’ve ever been out to The Shoe Box, a popular hometown shoe store known for its huge inventory of shoes for every size, style, activity and taste, well, you’ve been to Black Earth. But there’s more to Black Earth than just shoes.
The village received good marks from Niche.com for public schools, housing, families, health and fitness, cost of living, outdoor activities, jobs and commute. Weather only earned a C+ but then, well, that’s just Wisconsin!
With a population of 1,363, Black Earth has a true hometown feel. There are just slightly more males than females and the overall median age of residents is 42.9, a bit higher that the Wisconsin average of 39.5. Crime is low in Black Earth and most residents (74.4%) own their own home. The median property value comes in at just under $206,000 with the mean price for detached homes at $201,000 and townhomes valued at $144,000. Units in larger buildings average $176,000. The median rent is $728. Property taxes in 2017 were generally around $3,700.
Household income here is estimated at $60,188 and the cost of living index is 95.6, just under the U.S. average of 100. The majority of people in Black Earth commute to work, with an average commute time of 25 minutes.
Students in Black Earth attend several area schools, all in the Wisconsin Heights School District. Elementary students go to Black Earth Elementary School or the Mazomanie Elementary School. Older students attend the Wisconsin Heights Middle School and High School, with the middle school receiving a ranking of A- on Niche.com and the High School earning a B+. Black Earth also has its own library, which is part of the Wisconsin South Central Library System.
Black Earth is just 18 miles from Madison, making it easy to access all that the big city has to offer. For those wanting a greater variety of grocery stores and restaurants and similar amenities to choose from, Cross Plains is 2.3 miles away, Mazomanie is 1.9, Arena is2 .9 and Mt. Horeb is 3.
There’s certainly plenty to do in this scenic area. From parks that offer walking, biking trails and picnicking, to swimming and much more. If fishing is your thing, you’ll be pleased by Black Earth’s Welcome sign, declaring it “Home of a World Class Trout Stream.”
Or you can visit the Black Earth Depot Museum. Built in the mid-1800s as an actual railroad depot, it currently houses the Black Earth Historical Society detailing the history of this village established back in 1840. Looking for a family outing? Take the kids to the Black Earth Children’s Museum or to the Cave of the Mounds, just a short drive away in Mt. Horeb. In the winter, you can head out to Tyrol Basin Ski and Snowboard Area, also in Mt. Horeb.
In spite of its small size, the ”Only Black Earth in the World” has much to offer residents and visitors alike. Next time you visit the Shoe Box, why not stay and take a look around? You may just be glad you did!
Village of Black Earth Community Website
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Updated:17th January, 2021 11:40 PM (UTC).
