Median Income
$70,568
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$397,600
41% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
38/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.2%
37% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$799
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Williams Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,967
Median Age45.8 yrs
Density1,067/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,568
Per Capita$49,242
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$6,423M
Commute27 min
Housing
B
Home Value$397,600
Rent$799
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$524,180
Housing Units2,079
Rent Burden18.9%
Crime
F
Violent38/100K
Property379/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault38/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking11.8%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation913 ft (278 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.2%
High School+98.9%
Graduate+20.9%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute27 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is Williams Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Williams Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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 high housing costs. Williams Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Williams Bay is $70,568, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Williams Bay is $397,600, 41% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $799 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Williams Bay is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 379 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Williams Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Williams Bay has a population of 2,967 with a density of 1,067 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 45.8 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.8yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Williams Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Williams Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Williams Bay is $70,568, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,242 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,401 business establishments, including 337 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 14.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Williams Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,568 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,242 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,401 |
| County GDP | $6,423M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 337 |
| Healthcare | 234 |
| Retail | 366 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 14.3% |
The median home value in Williams Bay is $397,600, 41% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $524,180, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $799 (31% 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. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,079 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $8,487 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $397,600 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $524,180 |
| Median List Price | $515,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $515,990 |
| $/Sq Ft | $222 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.6% |
| Price Drops | 8.0% |
| Inventory | 50 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $799 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,079 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.13% |
In Williams Bay, 37.7% 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. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Williams Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:670 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,248/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 234 |
Williams Bay has a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 37.9 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 379 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 379, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Williams Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Williams Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 37.9/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 37.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 379.1/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 379.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Williams Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 913 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 913 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,067/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5788°N, 88.5457°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.7"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
68 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
46 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
553 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,261 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
99 km |
3 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
42 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Williams Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Williams 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Williams Bay
What is the population of Williams Bay?
Williams Bay has a population of 2,967 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,067 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Williams Bay expensive to live in?
Williams 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 $70,568, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $397,600 (41% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $799 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Williams Bay safe?
Williams Bay is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 38 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 379 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Williams Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Williams Bay?
Williams Bay has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Williams Bay?
The job market in Williams Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 3,401 business establishments in the area, including 337 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 14.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Williams Bay?
The median home value in Williams Bay is $397,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $524,180. For renters, the median monthly rent is $799. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,487.
How are the schools in Williams Bay?
Schools in Williams Bay score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 46.2% of adults in Williams Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. 20.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Williams Bay?
The obesity rate in Williams Bay is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Williams Bay?
The average commute in Williams Bay is 27 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 14.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Williams Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Williams Bay is 90.3% White. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
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