Blue River ZIP Codes — Grant County, WI

There is one unique ZIP code in Blue River, Wisconsin and it is 53518. Area code: 608.

ZIP codes

83.58

sq mi land

3.28

sq mi water

608

area code

Blue River, WI ZIP code map

About Blue River, WI

Blue River is a small, picturesque village located in Grant County, Wisconsin. Nestled within the scenic landscapes of the Driftless Area, Blue River is known for its tranquil environment and friendly community. With a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings, it offers a perfect blend of rural charm and access to outdoor recreational activities.

Location & geography

Blue River is situated in the southwestern part of Wisconsin, approximately 20 miles from the city of Platteville to the southwest, and about 30 miles from Dubuque, Iowa, to the south. The village spans a total of 86.86 square miles, including 83.58 square miles of land and 3.28 square miles of water, highlighting a diverse terrain that includes rivers and wooded areas. This geographic setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and exploring nature.

Community & economy

The community of Blue River is characterized by its small-town atmosphere and close-knit residents. Predominantly an agricultural area, the local economy is supported by farming and a few small businesses that cater to the needs of the residents and visitors alike. Daily life in Blue River reflects a pace that is relaxed and community-oriented, with local events and gatherings that promote a sense of belonging.

Transportation

Blue River is accessible via State Highway 133, which connects it to neighboring communities and regions. The nearest major airport is in Dubuque, Iowa, which is approximately 30 miles to the south, offering regional flights for travelers. Public transportation options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transport for residents.

History

Blue River was founded in the mid-19th century and has developed around the local agricultural industry that has played a vital role in its economy. The village is historically significant for its early settlers and the establishment of community services that shaped its growth. Notable events include local festivities that celebrate Blue River's heritage and its commitment to preserving the area's natural beauty.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Blue River is that it features over three miles of riverfront property along the Blue River, providing an appealing location for fishing and recreational activities. Additionally, the village is situated in the Driftless Area, known for its unique topography that was untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

ZIP codes for Blue River, WI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
53518	Blue River	Grant	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,508

Population

40.2

Median age

$56,528

Median household income

$30,323

Per capita income

$142,300

Median home value

$769

Median monthly rent

90.3%

Home ownership

21.8%

Poverty rate

7.5%

Unemployment

713

Housing units

15.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

106

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	355	23.5%
18 and over	1,153	76.5%
65 and over	307	20.4%
Median age	40.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 93.1%

Two or more races 3.4%

Hispanic or Latino 2.5%

Black or African American 0.4%

Asian 0.4%

Other race 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	1,441	93.1%
Two or more races	52	3.4%
Hispanic or Latino	39	2.5%
Black or African American	6	0.4%
Asian	6	0.4%
Other race	3	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 8.3%

$10k–$15k 3.8%

$15k–$25k 6.7%

$25k–$35k 6.8%

$35k–$50k 15.8%

$50k–$75k 27.8%

$75k–$100k 11.5%

$100k–$150k 13.5%

$150k–$200k 3.8%

$200k+ 2.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.3%
$10k–$15k	3.8%
$15k–$25k	6.7%
$25k–$35k	6.8%
$35k–$50k	15.8%
$50k–$75k	27.8%
$75k–$100k	11.5%
$100k–$150k	13.5%
$150k–$200k	3.8%
$200k+	2.0%
Median income	$56,528

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.1%

$50k–$100k 23.4%

$100k–$150k 24.4%

$150k–$200k 13.3%

$200k–$300k 17.5%

$300k–$500k 11.3%

$500k–$1M 3.7%

$1M+ 0.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$142,300
Median rent / month	$769
Owner occupied	90.3%
Renter occupied	9.7%
Vacant	15.2%
Single-family detached	82.4%
Large apartment buildings	2.2%
Mobile homes	11.8%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.31

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.8%
2000–2009	18.9%
1990–1999	15.6%
1980–1989	9.3%
1970–1979	10.6%
1960–1969	1.8%
1950–1959	7.5%
1940–1949	2.7%
1939 or earlier	29.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.8%
1 bedroom	7.6%
2 bedrooms	19.4%
3 bedrooms	53.7%
4 bedrooms	14.3%
5+ bedrooms	3.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.8%
1 vehicle	31.7%
2 vehicles	32.6%
3 or more	33.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	29.6%
Electricity	5.3%
Propane / LP gas	46.0%
Fuel oil	2.6%
Wood	15.3%
No fuel used	0.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	314	47.6%
Cohabiting couple	53	8.0%
Male householder, no spouse	138	20.9%
Female householder, no spouse	154	23.4%
Households with children under 18	199	30.2%
Households with seniors (65+)	239	36.3%
Average household size	2.29

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	37.3%	20.9%
Married	48.6%	52.5%
Separated	0.7%	1.2%
Widowed	2.4%	15.2%
Divorced	10.9%	10.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.9%

Some HS, no diploma 5.3%

HS graduate 34.4%

Some college, no degree 23.3%

Associate's degree 17.6%

Bachelor's degree 8.9%

Graduate / professional 6.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	90.8%
Bachelor's or higher	15.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	13	5.4%
Kindergarten	18	7.5%
Elementary school	105	43.8%
High school	87	36.3%
College / grad school	17	7.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 27.7%

Education & healthcare 16.3%

Professional & management 9.1%

Retail trade 8.2%

Construction 7.2%

Other services 6.7%

Wholesale trade 6.4%

Agriculture & mining 4.9%

Arts, food & hospitality 4.6%

Public administration 4.3%

Finance & real estate 2.6%

Transportation & utilities 1.5%

Information 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	25.0%
Service	16.9%
Sales & office	16.7%
Natural resources & construction	10.7%
Production & transportation	30.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	74.7%
Government	11.6%
Self-employed	13.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	85.0%
Carpool	4.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.0%
Other means	1.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	25.1

Poverty

All people 21.8%

Under 18 years 37.8%

18 and over 17.0%

Married-couple families 21.0%

Female-led households 6.1%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	37.0%
Retirement income	29.1%
Supplemental Security	6.8%
Cash public assistance	2.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	19.6%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	35.0%
High cholesterol	36.8%
Heart disease	7.4%
Stroke	3.4%
Asthma	9.8%
Arthritis	27.5%
Kidney disease	3.2%
Pulmonary disease	7.6%
Cancer	7.7%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	23.0%
No physical activity	23.1%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	31.7%
Fair or poor health	14.1%
Poor mental health	13.3%
Poor physical health	11.3%
No health insurance	10.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.8%
Visited dentist	67.2%
Cholesterol screening	88.2%
Teeth loss	13.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	83	7.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.4%
Under 18	1.4%
18–64 years	10.9%
65 and over	24.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	58.0%
Public insurance	57.2%
Uninsured under 19	2.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,401	92.9%
Spanish	16	1.1%
Other Indo-European	1	0.1%
Asian & Pacific Islander	14	1.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,487	98.6%
Born in same state	1,486	98.5%
Born in different state	1,189	78.8%
Foreign born	1	0.1%
Naturalized citizen	21	1.4%
Not a US citizen	15	71.4%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	304	20.2%
French	180	11.9%
Polish	164	10.9%
Arab	75	5%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	34	2.3%
German	10	0.7%
Dutch	2	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.7%
Internet access	92.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Blue River, WI have?

Blue River, WI has one ZIP code: 53518. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.