Median Income
$56,882
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$217,600
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
45/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.9%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,011
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Sturgeon Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,702
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density981/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,882
Per Capita$43,312
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$1,082M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$217,600
Rent$1,011
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$367,890
Housing Units5,480
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent45/100K
Property1,041/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault45/100K
Burglary45/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking14.1%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation584 ft (178 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.9%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute15 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations7
Libraries2
Is Sturgeon Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sturgeon 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, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Sturgeon Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sturgeon Bay is $56,882, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sturgeon Bay is $217,600, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,011 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Sturgeon Bay is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,041 per 100,000, 47% below the national average.
Education
27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sturgeon Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches, including 57.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sturgeon Bay has a population of 9,702 with a density of 981 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sturgeon Bay 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
Sturgeon Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sturgeon Bay is $56,882, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,312 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 575 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sturgeon Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,882 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,312 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.392 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 575 |
| County GDP | $1,082M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,823 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Sturgeon Bay is $217,600, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $367,890, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,011 (13% 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. 64.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,480 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,823 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $217,600 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $367,890 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,011 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.9% |
| Housing Units | 5,480 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,823 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.68% |
In Sturgeon Bay, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,868. The dentist ratio is 1:2,578. 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sturgeon Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,868 |
| Dentists | 1:2,578 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,149 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,209/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Sturgeon Bay has a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 44.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,041 per 100,000, 47% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 996, burglary at 45, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sturgeon Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sturgeon Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 44.8/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 44.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,040.6/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Burglary | 44.8/100K |
| Theft | 995.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 11.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sturgeon Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°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 32.9 inches. The area receives 57.4 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 584 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 584 ft (178 m) |
| Area | 11.5 sq mi (29.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 981/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8227°N, 87.3698°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kewaunee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Menominee Regional (MNM)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.9"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very 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 |
38 km |
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
121 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1979 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1968 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1968 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1966 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1966 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Sturgeon Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 18°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Sturgeon 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 | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sturgeon Bay
What is the population of Sturgeon Bay?
Sturgeon Bay has a population of 9,702 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 981 people per square mile, spread across 11.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Sturgeon Bay expensive to live in?
Sturgeon 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 $56,882, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $217,600 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,011 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sturgeon Bay safe?
Sturgeon Bay is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,041 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sturgeon Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sturgeon Bay?
Sturgeon Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches, with 57.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sturgeon Bay?
The job market in Sturgeon Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 575 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sturgeon Bay?
The median home value in Sturgeon Bay is $217,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $367,890. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,011. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,823.
How are the schools in Sturgeon Bay?
Schools in Sturgeon Bay score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.9% of adults in Sturgeon Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sturgeon Bay?
The obesity rate in Sturgeon Bay is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,868.
What is transportation like in Sturgeon Bay?
The average commute in Sturgeon Bay is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sturgeon Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sturgeon Bay is 90.2% White, 1% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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