Median Income
$83,438
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$662,700
135% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
415/100K
9% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
62.8%
86% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$730
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chain O' Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,006
Median Age64.7 yrs
Density294/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans19.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,438
Per Capita$106,509
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$919M
Commute25 min
Housing
C
Home Value$662,700
Rent$730
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$310,898
Housing Units1,001
Rent Burden37.0%
Crime
F
Violent415/100K
Property4,286/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking13.3%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation901 ft (275 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+62.8%
High School+99.4%
Graduate+16.2%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute25 min
Broadband96.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Chain O' Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chain O' Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Chain O' Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chain O' Lakes is $83,438, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chain O' Lakes is $662,700, making it a premium housing market at 135% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $730 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.9x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 415 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,286 per 100,000, 119% above the national average.
Education
Chain O' Lakes is a highly educated community / 62.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Chain O' Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Chain O' Lakes has a population of 1,006 with a density of 294 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 64.7 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 19.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.7yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chain O' Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chain O' Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chain O' Lakes is $83,438, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $106,509 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $841, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 571 business establishments, including 67 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chain O' Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,438 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $106,509 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $841 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,360 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 571 |
| County GDP | $919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,229 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Chain O' Lakes is $662,700, 135% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,898, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $730 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,001 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $5,229 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.9x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $662,700 |
| 135% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,898 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $730 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,001 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,229 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.79% |
In Chain O' Lakes, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,547. The dentist ratio is 1:1,471. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chain O' Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,547 |
| Dentists | 1:1,471 |
| Mental Health | 1:639 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,261/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Chain O' Lakes has a violent crime rate of 415 per 100,000 residents, 9% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,286 per 100,000, 119% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chain O' Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chain O' Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 415.3/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,285.7/100K |
| 119% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chain O' Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 49.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 901 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 901 ft (275 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 294/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3320°N, 89.1628°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Waushara County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
444 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 370 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
47 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
11 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
74 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
74 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
88 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
85 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Chain O' Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Chain O' Lakes. 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 | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chain O' Lakes
What is the population of Chain O' Lakes?
Chain O' Lakes has a population of 1,006 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 294 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Chain O' Lakes expensive to live in?
Chain O' Lakes 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 $83,438, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $662,700 (135% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $730 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Chain O' Lakes safe?
The violent crime rate in Chain O' Lakes is 415 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,286 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chain O' Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chain O' Lakes?
Chain O' Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Chain O' Lakes?
The job market in Chain O' Lakes is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $841. There are 571 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chain O' Lakes?
The median home value in Chain O' Lakes is $662,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,898. For renters, the median monthly rent is $730. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,229.
How are the schools in Chain O' Lakes?
Schools in Chain O' Lakes score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 62.8% of adults in Chain O' Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. 16.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chain O' Lakes?
The obesity rate in Chain O' Lakes is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,547.
What is transportation like in Chain O' Lakes?
The average commute in Chain O' Lakes is 25 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chain O' Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chain O' Lakes is 98.2% White. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 19.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.2% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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