Median Income
$57,679
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$328,700
17% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
33/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
48.6%
44% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,018
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.4%
73% higher than US avg
How Sister Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,016
Median Age54.8 yrs
Density381/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,679
Per Capita$47,490
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty21.4%
County GDP$2,000M
Commute13 min
Housing
B
Home Value$328,700
Rent$1,018
Ownership46.8%
Zillow$497,405
Housing Units1,396
Rent Burden40.4%
Crime
F
Violent33/100K
Property1,420/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking11.1%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation716 ft (218 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.6%
High School+99.3%
Graduate+21.3%
School Score6.70
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 51%
Commute13 min
Broadband84.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries8
Is Sister Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sister Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Sister Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sister Bay is $57,679, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 21.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sister Bay is $328,700, 17% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,018 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sister Bay is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,420 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sister Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 61.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sister Bay has a population of 1,016 with a density of 381 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 54.8 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.7% female and 43.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.8yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sister Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sister Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sister Bay is $57,679, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,490 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $877, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,422 business establishments, including 270 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Sister Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,679 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,490 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,317 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.4% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,422 |
| County GDP | $2,000M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 270 |
| Healthcare | 67 |
| Retail | 258 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,925 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.2% |
The median home value in Sister Bay is $328,700, 17% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $497,405, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,018 (12% 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. 46.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,396 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $7,925 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.4% 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 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $328,700 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $497,405 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,018 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,396 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,925 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.41% |
In Sister Bay, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 11.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.7% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,446. The dentist ratio is 1:1,526. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sister Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.1% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,446 |
| Dentists | 1:1,526 |
| Mental Health | 1:784 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 71.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,837/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 67 |
Sister Bay has a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,420 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sister Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sister Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 33.0/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,420.1/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sister Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 69°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 31.0 inches. The area receives 61.6 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 716 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 716 ft (218 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 381/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1871°N, 87.1294°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Door County County |
| Nearest Airport | Menominee Regional (MNM)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
59 km |
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
77 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 27 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
76 km |
2 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1987 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1992 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1979 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1966 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1966 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1966 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1964 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1959 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1958 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN (1,906 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
DUTCH MILL |
551 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Sister Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Sister Bay. 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 | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sister Bay
What is the population of Sister Bay?
Sister Bay has a population of 1,016 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 381 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.7% female and 43.3% male.
Is Sister Bay expensive to live in?
Sister Bay 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 $57,679, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $328,700 (17% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,018 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Sister Bay safe?
Sister Bay is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,420 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sister Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sister Bay?
Sister Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 61.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sister Bay?
The job market in Sister Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $877. There are 1,422 business establishments in the area, including 270 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 17.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sister Bay?
The median home value in Sister Bay is $328,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $497,405. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,018. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,925.
How are the schools in Sister Bay?
Schools in Sister Bay score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 48.6% of adults in Sister Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.3% have completed high school. 21.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sister Bay?
The obesity rate in Sister Bay is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.1% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,446.
What is transportation like in Sister Bay?
The average commute in Sister Bay is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sister Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sister Bay is 98.7% White. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
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