Median Income
$86,071
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$285,200
1% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.4%
47% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,121
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.1%
181% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Elkhart Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,097
Median Age57.4 yrs
Density784/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$86,071
Per Capita$51,694
Unemployment10.1%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$6,749M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$285,200
Rent$1,121
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$469,555
Housing Units806
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,114/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured0.8%
Smoking11.6%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain29.4 in/yr
Elevation949 ft (289 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.4%
High School+98.4%
Graduate+26.5%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute19 min
Broadband93.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Elkhart Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elkhart Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Elkhart Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elkhart Lake is $86,071, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 10.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elkhart Lake is $285,200, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,121 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Elkhart Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Elkhart Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.4 inches, including 44.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Elkhart Lake has a population of 1,097 with a density of 784 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 57.4 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (99.1%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,097
Total Population
2023 Census
57.4yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elkhart Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Elkhart Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elkhart Lake is $86,071, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,694 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,120, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,535 business establishments, including 233 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elkhart Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,071 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,694 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,120 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,525 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.1% |
| 181% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,535 |
| County GDP | $6,749M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 233 |
| Healthcare | 241 |
| Retail | 304 |
| Manufacturing | 136 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,030 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Elkhart Lake is $285,200, 1% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $469,555, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $500,000 with homes selling in an average of 139 days. Homes sell for 97.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,121 (4% 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. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 806 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $6,030 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $285,200 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $469,555 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $500,000 |
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $500,000 |
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $328 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 139 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.4% |
| Price Drops | 6.7% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,121 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 806 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,030 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.11% |
In Elkhart Lake, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 24.2% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 0.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,087. The dentist ratio is 1:1,298. 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elkhart Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 0.8% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,087 |
| Dentists | 1:1,298 |
| Mental Health | 1:568 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 72.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,377/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 241 |
Elkhart Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elkhart Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Elkhart Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,114.3/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Elkhart Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 93% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 949 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 949 ft (289 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 784/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8314°N, 88.0138°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fond du Lac County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wittman Regional (OSH)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.4"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.77"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 92.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
366 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 485 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
77 km |
7 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
61 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Elkhart Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 19°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Elkhart Lake. 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elkhart Lake
What is the population of Elkhart Lake?
Elkhart Lake has a population of 1,097 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 784 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Elkhart Lake expensive to live in?
Elkhart Lake 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 $86,071, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $285,200 (1% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,121 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elkhart Lake safe?
Elkhart Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elkhart Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elkhart Lake?
Elkhart Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 29.4 inches, with 44.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Elkhart Lake?
The job market in Elkhart Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,120. There are 2,535 business establishments in the area, including 233 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elkhart Lake?
The median home value in Elkhart Lake is $285,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $469,555. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $500,000, with homes typically selling within 139 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,121. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,030.
How are the schools in Elkhart Lake?
Schools in Elkhart Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.4% of adults in Elkhart Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. 26.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elkhart Lake?
The obesity rate in Elkhart Lake is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 0.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,087.
What is transportation like in Elkhart Lake?
The average commute in Elkhart Lake is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elkhart Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elkhart Lake is 99.1% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.