Median Income
$57,854
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,100
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$794
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Turtle Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population900
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density107/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,854
Per Capita$41,579
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$2,185M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,100
Rent$794
Ownership52.2%
Zillow$322,271
Housing Units506
Rent Burden28.3%
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Elevation1,234 ft (376 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute20 min
Broadband70.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Turtle Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Turtle Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Turtle Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Turtle Lake is $57,854, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Turtle Lake is $143,100, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Turtle Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 55.6 inches of snow.
Turtle Lake has a population of 900 with a density of 107 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 1.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
900
Total Population
2023 Census
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Turtle Lake is $57,854, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,579. The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,311 business establishments, including 136 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Turtle Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,854 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,579 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,536 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,311 |
| County GDP | $2,185M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 136 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 164 |
| Manufacturing | 95 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.5% |
The median home value in Turtle Lake is $143,100, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $322,271, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $794 (32% 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. 52.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 506 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,702 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,100 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $322,271 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $794 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.8% |
| Housing Units | 506 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,702 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.98% |
In Turtle Lake, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262. The dentist ratio is 1:1,693. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Turtle Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,262 |
| Dentists | 1:1,693 |
| Mental Health | 1:462 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,642/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Turtle Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 55.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,234 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,234 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 107/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3906°N, 92.1498°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.54"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
319 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 48 fatalities, 619 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
56 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
98 km |
4 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
64 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
68 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,068 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Turtle Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Turtle 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 Turtle Lake
What is the population of Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has a population of 900 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 107 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is Turtle Lake expensive to live in?
Turtle 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 $57,854, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,100 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $794 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Turtle Lake?
Turtle Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 55.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Turtle Lake?
The job market in Turtle Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 1,311 business establishments in the area, including 136 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 16.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Turtle Lake?
The median home value in Turtle Lake is $143,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $322,271. For renters, the median monthly rent is $794. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,702.
How are the schools in Turtle Lake?
Schools in Turtle Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.8% of adults in Turtle Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Turtle Lake?
The obesity rate in Turtle Lake is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,262.
What is transportation like in Turtle Lake?
The average commute in Turtle Lake is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Turtle Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Turtle Lake is 91.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.