Median Income
$42,386
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,100
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
799/100K
110% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$980
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Lake Delton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,522
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density463/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$42,386
Per Capita$31,498
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$5,577M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,100
Rent$980
Ownership58.0%
Zillow$320,418
Housing Units2,562
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent799/100K
Property15,241/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault566/100K
Burglary765/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation907 ft (276 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute14 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Lake Delton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Delton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lake Delton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Delton is $42,386, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Delton is $144,100, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $980 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 799 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 15,241 per 100,000, 678% above the national average.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Delton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lake Delton has a population of 3,522 with a density of 463 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (80.7%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.9% of residents, while 30.1% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Delton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.9%
11% below US avg
Spanish
30.1%
125% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Delton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Delton is $42,386, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,498 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,219 business establishments, including 261 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Delton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,386 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,498 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,772 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,219 |
| County GDP | $5,577M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 261 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 298 |
| Manufacturing | 86 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Lake Delton is $144,100, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,418, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $980 (16% 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. 58.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,562 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $5,911 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,100 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,418 |
| Median List Price | $219,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $219,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $197 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.7% |
| Price Drops | 17.7% |
| Inventory | 34 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $980 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,562 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,911 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.10% |
In Lake Delton, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,462. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Delton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,462 |
| Mental Health | 1:496 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,554/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Lake Delton has a violent crime rate of 799 per 100,000 residents, 110% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 565.7 per 100,000, robbery at 99.8, rape at 133.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 15,241 per 100,000, 678% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 13,877, burglary at 765, vehicle theft at 599 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Delton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Delton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 798.7/100K |
| 110% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 133.1/100K |
| Robbery | 99.8/100K |
| Assault | 565.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 15,241.3/100K |
| 678% above US avg |
| Burglary | 765.4/100K |
| Theft | 13,876.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 599.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Delton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. The area receives 40.7 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 907 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 907 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 463/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5920°N, 89.7831°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sauk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0488 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 695 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
71 km |
9 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
75 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
91 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 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 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
75 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
70 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
76 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
63 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
70 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 |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Lake Delton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Lake Delton. 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 Lake Delton
What is the population of Lake Delton?
Lake Delton has a population of 3,522 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 463 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Lake Delton expensive to live in?
Lake Delton 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 $42,386, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,100 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $980 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Delton safe?
Public safety is a concern in Lake Delton, with a violent crime rate of 799 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 15,241 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake Delton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Delton?
Lake Delton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lake Delton?
Lake Delton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 2,219 business establishments in the area, including 261 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Delton?
The median home value in Lake Delton is $144,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,418. For renters, the median monthly rent is $980. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,911.
How are the schools in Lake Delton?
Schools in Lake Delton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Lake Delton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Delton?
The obesity rate in Lake Delton is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Lake Delton?
The average commute in Lake Delton is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Delton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Delton is 80.7% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 69.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.1% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
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