Where Birch residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for Birch, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, from ZIP codes 54442, 54435. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in Birch
Heart disease, COPD and arthritis run high in Birch
1 in 11 adults have heart disease (8.8%), vs 6.6% across Wisconsin. 1 in 12 adults have COPD (8.5%), vs 6.5% across Wisconsin. Arthritis is also above the state: 34.7%, vs 26.6% across Wisconsin. In all, Birch runs above Wisconsin on eight of 11 chronic conditions. Conditions ↓
More high blood pressure in Birch, and more people treating it
39.8% of adults have high blood pressure (Wisconsin 33.3%), but 81.3% of them take medicine for it, vs 77.8% statewide. Checkups ↓
Written from the CDC, Medicare and HRSA data on this page. CDC PLACES 2025 release: modeled estimates for adults, not counts; “higher” and “lower” mean the Wisconsin figure falls outside Birch’s likely range; Birch’s figures come from ZIP codes 54442, 54435, which may reach past town lines.
Out of every 100 Birch adults…
Birch runs above WI on 8 of 12 conditions. Tap one to see it as people.
Keeping up with care
Share of Birch adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Wisconsin.
Care in and near Birch
No hospital or community health center in Birch itself. These are the nearest.
Hospitals: Medicare overall star ratings, 1–5. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income. Distances are straight-line from the center of Birch; ≈ marks a hospital located by its town, not its street. Shortage areas: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (a “population” designation covers specific residents, such as those with low incomes).
Everyday habits, side by side with Wisconsin
Share of adults, with the Wisconsin figure marked.
27 miles of trails across 3 parks and preserves
How Birch adults are doing
About the same as Wisconsin on each measure.
3 in 10 Birch adults feel lonely. A hello is a start.
Groups are the easiest way in: a walking group, a book club, your street.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
Making ends meet
Needs that shape health as much as any doctor visit: food, housing, utilities and a way to get around.
11.7% of Birch adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 12.5% across Wisconsin.
Birch and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Nearby towns are shaded from CDC’s estimates for their ZIP codes, or CDC’s own figure for cities and villages.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Falls | — | — | — | — | |
| Russell | — | — | — | — | |
| Skanawan | — | — | — | — |
Rock Falls, Russell and Skanawan: fewer than 1,000 residents. Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of Birch adults live with a disability (Wisconsin 29.4%). Walking or climbing stairs is the most common.
Questions about health in Birch
Why doesn’t Birch have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for Birch.
What hospital is closest to Birch?
Aspirus Merrill Hospital in Merrill, 11.0 miles in a straight line from Birch’s center point, is the nearest general hospital with an emergency room. It has no Medicare star rating.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in Birch.
Health estimates: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2025 release. The Wisconsin figure combines its counties, weighted by adult population. Hospitals and star ratings: Medicare Care Compare (CMS). Health centers and shortage areas: HRSA. Ages: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Town boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. This page isn’t medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.