Median Income
$69,054
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$194,300
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
153/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.0%
13% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,201
3% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.4%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Lake of the Woods Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,976
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density1,176/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$69,054
Per Capita$30,729
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$15,450M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$194,300
Rent$1,201
Ownership82.6%
Zillow$336,303
Housing Units951
Rent Burden47.1%
Crime
F
Violent153/100K
Property497/100K
Health
Obesity30.4%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking10.8%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation746 ft (227 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.0%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+12.6%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 37% / D 61%
Commute19 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations54
Libraries11
Is Lake of the Woods a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake of the Woods receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Lake of the Woods offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake of the Woods is $69,054, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.3% 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 Lake of the Woods is $194,300, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,201 per month. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake of the Woods is below the national average at 153 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 497 per 100,000, 75% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake of the Woods experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lake of the Woods has a population of 1,976 with a density of 1,176 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake of the Woods vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake of the Woods vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake of the Woods is $69,054, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,729 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,235, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,160 business establishments, including 590 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake of the Woods vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,054 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,729 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,235 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,600 |
| Gini Index | 0.498 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,160 |
| County GDP | $15,450M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 590 |
| Healthcare | 419 |
| Retail | 576 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,971 |
| 128% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lake of the Woods is $194,300, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $336,303, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,201 (3% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 951 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $7,971 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 47.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,300 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $336,303 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $133 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.4% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,201 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.4% |
| Housing Units | 951 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,971 |
| 128% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.10% |
In Lake of the Woods, 30.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 16.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:958. The dentist ratio is 1:1,497. 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake of the Woods vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.4% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.2% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:958 |
| Dentists | 1:1,497 |
| Mental Health | 1:272 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 72.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,180/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 419 |
Lake of the Woods has a violent crime rate of 153 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 497 per 100,000, 75% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 19 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake of the Woods receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake of the Woods vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 153.0/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 497.3/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake of the Woods experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 746 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 746 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,176/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2052°N, 88.3746°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Champaign County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0442 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.56 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.11 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
741 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 541 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Lake of the Woods has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Lake of the Woods. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,340 |
| Toddler | $1,191 |
| Preschool | $1,035 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $640 |
| Toddler | $683 |
| Preschool | $613 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake of the Woods
What is the population of Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods has a population of 1,976 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,176 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Lake of the Woods expensive to live in?
Lake of the Woods has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,054, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,300 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,201 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake of the Woods safe?
Lake of the Woods is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 153 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 497 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake of the Woods receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lake of the Woods?
The unemployment rate in Lake of the Woods is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,235. There are 4,160 business establishments in the area, including 590 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake of the Woods?
The median home value in Lake of the Woods is $194,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $336,303. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,201. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,971.
How are the schools in Lake of the Woods?
Schools in Lake of the Woods score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.0% of adults in Lake of the Woods hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake of the Woods?
The obesity rate in Lake of the Woods is 30.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 16.2% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 88.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:958.
What is transportation like in Lake of the Woods?
The average commute in Lake of the Woods is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake of the Woods?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake of the Woods is 96.6% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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