Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
53/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.5%
93% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$493
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.7%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.5%
41% higher than US avg
How Mole Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population507
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density137/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 19%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$20,804
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty17.5%
County GDP$430M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,700
Rent$493
Ownership39.3%
Zillow$228,631
Housing Units255
Rent Burden13.1%
Crime
F
Violent53/100K
Property1,218/100K
Health
Obesity45.7%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking23.9%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,536 ft (468 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.5%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+0.3%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute14 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Mole Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mole Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Mole Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mole Lake is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mole Lake is $133,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $493 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Mole Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,218 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
2.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Mole Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches, including 80.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Mole Lake has a population of 507 with a density of 137 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (78.5%), with 19.3% White, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 28.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mole Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mole Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mole Lake is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,804 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $876, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 301 business establishments, including 30 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mole Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,804 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $876 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,011 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.5% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 301 |
| County GDP | $430M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,967 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mole Lake is $133,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,631, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $493 (58% 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. 39.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 255 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $3,967. 13.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,631 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $493 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 39.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.7% |
| Housing Units | 255 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,967 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.97% |
In Mole Lake, 45.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 23.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:2,345. 82.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mole Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.7% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 14.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.9% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:2,345 |
| Mental Health | 1:583 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 56.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,728/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Mole Lake has a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,218 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mole Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mole Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.0/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,218.2/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mole Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 270 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 34.1 inches. The area receives 80.1 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 1,536 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,536 ft (468 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 137/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4861°N, 88.9756°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Forest County County |
| Nearest Airport | Menominee Regional (MNM) 70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0396 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.08 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
3 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
168 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 62 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
48 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1987 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1997 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1996 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOULDS CREEK (750 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Mole Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 12°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Mole Lake. 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 | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mole Lake
What is the population of Mole Lake?
Mole Lake has a population of 507 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 137 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 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 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Mole Lake expensive to live in?
Mole Lake 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 $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $493 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mole Lake safe?
Mole Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,218 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mole Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mole Lake?
Mole Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches, with 80.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Mole Lake?
The unemployment rate in Mole Lake is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $876. There are 301 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mole Lake?
The median home value in Mole Lake is $133,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,631. For renters, the median monthly rent is $493. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 39.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,967.
How are the schools in Mole Lake?
Schools in Mole Lake score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.5% of adults in Mole Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 0.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mole Lake?
The obesity rate in Mole Lake is 45.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.9% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Mole Lake?
The average commute in Mole Lake is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mole Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mole Lake is 19.3% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 78.5% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 28.8% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.