Median Income
$64,375
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,600
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
585/100K
54% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.8%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,020
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.6%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lake of the Woods Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population658
Median Age54.4 yrs
Density954/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,375
Per Capita$37,838
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,376M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,600
Rent$1,020
Ownership63.6%
Zillow$269,498
Housing Units428
Rent Burden20.3%
Crime
F
Violent585/100K
Property1,407/100K
Health
Obesity45.6%
Smoking19.3%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation807 ft (246 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.8%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute26 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries5
Is Lake of the Woods a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake of the Woods 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. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Lake of the Woods has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake of the Woods is $64,375, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake of the Woods is $189,600, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,407 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake of the Woods experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°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 40.3 inches, including 54.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lake of the Woods has a population of 658 with a density of 954 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 54.4 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.4yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake of the Woods vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake of the Woods vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake of the Woods is $64,375, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,838. The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above 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 1,155 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake of the Woods vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,375 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,838 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,578 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,155 |
| County GDP | $2,376M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 96 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 138 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,139 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Lake of the Woods is $189,600, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,498, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,020 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 428 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,139 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,600 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $269,498 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,020 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.4% |
| Housing Units | 428 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,139 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.18% |
In Lake of the Woods, 45.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,922. The dentist ratio is 1:2,206. 63.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake of the Woods vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,922 |
| Dentists | 1:2,206 |
| Mental Health | 1:799 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,237/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 96 |
Lake of the Woods has a violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 residents, 54% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,407 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 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 | 584.5/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,407.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| 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 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°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 40.3 inches. The area receives 54.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 807 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 807 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 954/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4223°N, 86.2232°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Bend International (SBN)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
112 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
63 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
460 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 115 fatalities, 1,425 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
17 km |
31 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
5 |
| May 16, 1968 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
31 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
63 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OGDEN DUNS (863 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Lake of the Woods has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.8").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
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 658 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 954 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Lake of the Woods expensive to live in?
Lake of the Woods is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,375, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,600 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake of the Woods safe?
The violent crime rate in Lake of the Woods is 585 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 1,407 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°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 40.3 inches, with 54.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lake of the Woods?
The unemployment rate in Lake of the Woods is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 1,155 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.7% 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 $189,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,498. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,020. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,139.
How are the schools in Lake of the Woods?
Schools in Lake of the Woods score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.8% of adults in Lake of the Woods hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake of the Woods?
The obesity rate in Lake of the Woods is 45.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 63.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,922.
What is transportation like in Lake of the Woods?
The average commute in Lake of the Woods is 26 minutes. 93.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake of the Woods?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake of the Woods is 100% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
