Median Income
$63,750
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$304,800
8% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
210/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.0%
45% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,021
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Bayfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population590
Median Age58.8 yrs
Density678/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans13.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,750
Per Capita$37,745
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$929M
Commute8 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$304,800
Rent$1,021
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$330,239
Housing Units522
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent210/100K
Property3,992/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault210/100K
Burglary1,261/100K
Health
Obesity42.3%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking16.8%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.6 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation949 ft (289 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+26.6%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Commute8 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Bayfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bayfield receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bayfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bayfield is $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bayfield is $304,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,021 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bayfield is below the national average at 210 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,992 per 100,000, 104% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bayfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bayfield has a population of 590 with a density of 678 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 58.8 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (79.5%), with 14.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 13.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.8yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.1%
47% below US avg
The median household income in Bayfield is $63,750, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,745. The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 627 business establishments, including 66 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 25.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,750 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,745 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,769 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 627 |
| County GDP | $929M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,239 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 50.2% |
| Public Transit | 2.8% |
| Work from Home | 25.3% |
The median home value in Bayfield is $304,800, 8% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,239. Monthly rent averages $1,021 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $742 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 522 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $5,239 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $304,800 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $330,239 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,021 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $671 |
| 1 Bedroom | $742 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,283 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,288 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 522 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,239 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.72% |
In Bayfield, 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:575. The dentist ratio is 1:1,458. 68.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bayfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:575 |
| Dentists | 1:1,458 |
| Mental Health | 1:244 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,410/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Bayfield has a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 210.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,992 per 100,000, 104% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,521, burglary at 1,261, vehicle theft at 210 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bayfield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bayfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 210.1/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 210.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,991.6/100K |
| 104% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,260.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,521.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 210.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bayfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 949 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 949 ft (289 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 678/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8161°N, 90.8248°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ashland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.6"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0375 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
49 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1961 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1958 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1987 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1979 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
80 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
41 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
40 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
39 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
39 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
43 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK J RX |
911 |
40 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
43 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Bayfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 13°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Bayfield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bayfield
What is the population of Bayfield?
Bayfield has a population of 590 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 678 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Bayfield expensive to live in?
Bayfield is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $304,800 (8% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,021 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bayfield safe?
Bayfield is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,992 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bayfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bayfield?
Bayfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bayfield?
The job market in Bayfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 627 business establishments in the area, including 66 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 25.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bayfield?
The median home value in Bayfield is $304,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $330,239. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,021. Fair market rent is $742 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,239.
How are the schools in Bayfield?
Schools in Bayfield score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.0% of adults in Bayfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 26.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bayfield?
The obesity rate in Bayfield is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 68.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:575.
What is transportation like in Bayfield?
The average commute in Bayfield is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 50.2% of workers drive alone to work, 2.8% use public transit, and 25.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bayfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bayfield is 79.5% White, 14.4% Hispanic or Latino. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 13.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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