Median Income
$35,682
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,900
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
157/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.5%
81% higher than US avg
How Gays Mills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population577
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density118/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans17.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,682
Per Capita$28,733
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty22.5%
County GDP$902M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Home Value$156,900
Rent$775
Ownership65.9%
Zillow$285,909
Housing Units332
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent157/100K
Property1,472/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking18.3%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation720 ft (219 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute28 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Gays Mills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gays Mills receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Gays Mills has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gays Mills is $35,682, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 22.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gays Mills is $156,900, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gays Mills is below the national average at 157 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,472 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Gays Mills experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Gays Mills has a population of 577 with a density of 118 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 17.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gays Mills vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gays Mills vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gays Mills is $35,682, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,733 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $863, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 504 business establishments, including 57 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gays Mills vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,682 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,733 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $863 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,412 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 504 |
| County GDP | $902M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,995 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 56.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Gays Mills is $156,900, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,909, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 65.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 332 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $5,995 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,900 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $285,909 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.1% |
| Housing Units | 332 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,995 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.82% |
In Gays Mills, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,340. The dentist ratio is 1:1,779. 54.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gays Mills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,340 |
| Dentists | 1:1,779 |
| Mental Health | 1:839 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,916/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Gays Mills has a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,472 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gays Mills receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gays Mills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 156.6/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,472.4/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gays Mills experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 37.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 720 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 118/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3301°N, 90.8462°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
345 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 405 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
81 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: POOL ONE NORTH (1,576 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
OS 23 |
571 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
569 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
560 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
544 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
541 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
539 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
514 |
98 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
502 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Gays Mills has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Gays Mills. 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 Gays Mills
What is the population of Gays Mills?
Gays Mills has a population of 577 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 118 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Gays Mills expensive to live in?
Gays Mills 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 $35,682, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,900 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gays Mills safe?
Gays Mills is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,472 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gays Mills receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gays Mills?
Gays Mills has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Gays Mills?
The job market in Gays Mills is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $863. There are 504 business establishments in the area, including 57 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gays Mills?
The median home value in Gays Mills is $156,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,909. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,995.
How are the schools in Gays Mills?
Schools in Gays Mills score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Gays Mills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gays Mills?
The obesity rate in Gays Mills is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 54.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,340.
What is transportation like in Gays Mills?
The average commute in Gays Mills is 28 minutes. 56.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gays Mills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gays Mills is 89.3% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 17.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
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