Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.5%
14% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$325
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.1%
125% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.6%
106% higher than US avg
How Port Wing Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population134
Median Age61.5 yrs
Density117/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans16.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$33,763
Unemployment8.1%
Poverty25.6%
County GDP$587M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$325
Ownership76.5%
Zillow$232,657
Housing Units135
Rent Burden27.8%
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured3.0%
Smoking12.9%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Elevation684 ft (208 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.5%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 43% / D 55%
Commute34 min
Broadband74.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Port Wing a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port Wing receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Port Wing offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Port Wing is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 25.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Port Wing is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $325 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Port Wing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches, including 61.0 inches of snow.
Port Wing has a population of 134 with a density of 117 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 61.5 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (82.8%), with 4.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 16.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
134
Total Population
2023 Census
61.5yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port Wing vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Port Wing vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port Wing is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,763 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $810, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 578 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Port Wing vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,763 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $810 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,038 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.1% |
| 125% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.6% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 578 |
| County GDP | $587M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,627 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Port Wing is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,657, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $325 (72% 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. 76.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $5,627 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,657 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $325 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.5% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,627 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.09% |
In Port Wing, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 3.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,331. The dentist ratio is 1:2,373. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Port Wing vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 3.0% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,331 |
| Dentists | 1:2,373 |
| Mental Health | 1:419 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,971/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Port Wing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. The area receives 61.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 684 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 684 ft (208 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 117/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7756°N, 91.3806°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bayfield County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.47"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
No Rating |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
53 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1987 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1986 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1985 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GREENWOOD (28,255 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
GREENWOOD |
28,255 |
92 km |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
18 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
17 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
17 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
22 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
20 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
18 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
20 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
20 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK J RX |
911 |
15 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
21 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
SKIBO |
763 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
22 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
621 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
BN COMPLEX 2 |
547 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Port Wing has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 14°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Port Wing. 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 Port Wing
What is the population of Port Wing?
Port Wing has a population of 134 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 117 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Port Wing expensive to live in?
Port Wing 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $325 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Port Wing?
Port Wing has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches, with 61.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Port Wing?
The job market in Port Wing faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $810. There are 578 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Port Wing?
The median home value in Port Wing is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,657. For renters, the median monthly rent is $325. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,627.
How are the schools in Port Wing?
Schools in Port Wing score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.5% of adults in Port Wing hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Port Wing?
The obesity rate in Port Wing is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 3.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,331.
What is transportation like in Port Wing?
The average commute in Port Wing is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Port Wing?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Wing is 82.8% White, 4.5% Black or African American. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 16.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.6% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.