Median Income
$59,375
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,800
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Lake Wilson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population227
Median Age57.6 yrs
Density554/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,375
Per Capita$34,500
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$1,897M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,800
Rent$750
Ownership94.2%
Zillow$285,903
Housing Units123
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property1,770/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking16.5%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,654 ft (504 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute19 min
Broadband81.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Lake Wilson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Wilson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Lake Wilson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Wilson is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.9% 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 Wilson is $92,800, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lake Wilson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Wilson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°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 30.1 inches, including 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Lake Wilson has a population of 227 with a density of 554 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 57.6 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.6yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Wilson 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 Wilson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Wilson is $59,375, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,500 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Wilson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,375 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,500 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,633 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 93 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Lake Wilson is $92,800, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,903, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,427. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $285,903 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.8% |
| Housing Units | 123 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.69% |
In Lake Wilson, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571. The dentist ratio is 1:1,372. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Wilson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,571 |
| Dentists | 1:1,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:701 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,329/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Lake Wilson has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,770 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Wilson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Wilson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.5/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,770.3/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Wilson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°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 30.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,654 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,654 ft (504 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 554/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9954°N, 95.9546°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nobles County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.1"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
498 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 334 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
22 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
25 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lake Wilson has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lake Wilson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Wilson
What is the population of Lake Wilson?
Lake Wilson has a population of 227 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 554 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Lake Wilson expensive to live in?
Lake Wilson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,800 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Wilson safe?
Lake Wilson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Wilson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Wilson?
Lake Wilson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°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 30.1 inches, with 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Lake Wilson?
The job market in Lake Wilson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Wilson?
The median home value in Lake Wilson is $92,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,903. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 94.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,427.
How are the schools in Lake Wilson?
Schools in Lake Wilson score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.2% of adults in Lake Wilson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Wilson?
The obesity rate in Lake Wilson is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571.
What is transportation like in Lake Wilson?
The average commute in Lake Wilson is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Wilson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Wilson is 95.2% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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