Home Value
$26,800
90% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.2%
93% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Williams Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population219
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density223/mi²
Male / Female69% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
Per Capita$27,382
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$242M
Commute28 min
Housing
Home Value$26,800
Ownership94.9%
Zillow$208,979
Housing Units131
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,417/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain23.2 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,152 ft (351 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.2%
High School+83.4%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute28 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Williams a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Williams receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Williams faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Williams is $26,800, 90% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Williams is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,417 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
Education
2.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Williams has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Williams has a population of 219 with a density of 223 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 31.5% female and 68.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 24.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Per capita income is $27,382 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 185 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 30.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $27,382 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,277 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 185 |
| County GDP | $242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 30.4% |
The median home value in Williams is $26,800, 90% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,979, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 131 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,380 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $26,800 |
| 90% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,979 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.1% |
| Housing Units | 131 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.88% |
In Williams, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,823. The dentist ratio is 1:3,871. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Williams vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,823 |
| Dentists | 1:3,871 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,826/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Williams has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,417 per 100,000, 23% above the U.S. average. Overall, Williams receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Williams vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,417.1/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Williams has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 269 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 23.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,152 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-15°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.4°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,152 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 223/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.7680°N, 94.9533°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lake of the Woods County County |
| Nearest Airport | Baudette International (BDE)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.2"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
84 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 5, 2006 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1983 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1963 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2020 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2020 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2020 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2020 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2018 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2017 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2011 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
100 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,647 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
22,262 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
21,954 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,432 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
62 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,578 |
45 km |
| 2003 |
CANADA |
7,065 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
42°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Williams has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 6°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Williams. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $986 |
| Preschool | $925 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $815 |
| Toddler | $707 |
| Preschool | $707 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Williams
What is the population of Williams?
Williams has a population of 219 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 223 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 31.5% female and 68.5% male.
Is Williams expensive to live in?
Williams has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $26,800 (90% below the U.S. median).
Is Williams safe?
Williams is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,417 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Williams receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Williams?
Williams has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Williams?
The unemployment rate in Williams is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 185 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 30.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Williams?
The median home value in Williams is $26,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,979. The homeownership rate is 94.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,380.
How are the schools in Williams?
Schools in Williams score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.2% of adults in Williams hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Williams?
The obesity rate in Williams is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,823.
What is transportation like in Williams?
The average commute in Williams is 28 minutes. 69.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 30.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Williams?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Williams is 90% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 24.5% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
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