When it comes to the livability of a city, Tomahawk ranks above average. The city's overall livability rating is comprised of data points and weighted variables that measure education, crime, and cost of living, as well as the overall happiness of residents. Based on these factors, Tomahawk ranks well above average, in the State of Wisconsin and the nation. In addition, the city's population has a low poverty rate, which is also a positive indicator.
The population of Tomahawk has decreased steadily over the past five years. There may be several reasons for the steady decline, including one critical incident. Long-term and short-term demographic patterns may be to blame. A low birth rate is a contributing factor to this decrease, since it triggers a domino effect of population decline. A low birth rate means less demand for basic services, which is likely to result in further decline in the population.
The first airplane landed on north Tomahawk Avenue in 1914. Soon thereafter, a group of Tomahawk men enlisted in the 119th Machine Gun Battalion and deployed to Europe via Waco, Texas. The city also hosts the annual Tomahawk Days, which honors the city's centennial in 1986. While the city's average income is low, it does not reflect the city's poverty.