Median Income
$93,750
25% higher than US avg
Home Value
$154,100
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.2%
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Willow Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population838
Median Age56.6 yrs
Density307/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans14.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$93,750
Per Capita$50,571
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,485M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,100
Ownership94.7%
Zillow$120,745
Housing Units401
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property2,563/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.8%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation809 ft (247 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.2%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute20 min
Broadband96.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Willow Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willow Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Willow Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Willow Lake is $93,750, 25% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% 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 Willow Lake is $154,100, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Willow Lake is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
24.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Willow Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°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 38.4 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Willow Lake has a population of 838 with a density of 307 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 56.6 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.7% female and 41.3% male. The city is predominantly White (84.2%), with 13% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 14.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.6yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Willow Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Willow Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Willow Lake is $93,750, which is 25% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,571 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,019 business establishments, including 91 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Willow Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $93,750 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,571 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,019 |
| County GDP | $2,485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Willow Lake is $154,100, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,745, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 401 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,642 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,100 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $120,745 |
| Median List Price | $239,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $239,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.3% |
| Housing Units | 401 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,642 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.66% |
In Willow Lake, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096. The dentist ratio is 1:1,983. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Willow Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,096 |
| Dentists | 1:1,983 |
| Mental Health | 1:435 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,373/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Willow Lake has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,563 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Willow Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Willow Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 192.8/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,563.2/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Willow Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°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 38.4 inches. The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 809 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 809 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 307/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3342°N, 89.6353°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stephenson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
115 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 46 fatalities, 951 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
76 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
24 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Willow Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Willow Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Lake
What is the population of Willow Lake?
Willow Lake has a population of 838 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 307 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.7% female and 41.3% male.
Is Willow Lake expensive to live in?
Willow Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $93,750, 25% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,100 (45% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Willow Lake safe?
Willow Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,563 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Willow Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Willow Lake?
Willow Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 38.4 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Willow Lake?
The job market in Willow Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 1,019 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Willow Lake?
The median home value in Willow Lake is $154,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,745. The homeownership rate is 94.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,642.
How are the schools in Willow Lake?
Schools in Willow Lake score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.2% of adults in Willow Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willow Lake?
The obesity rate in Willow Lake is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,096.
What is transportation like in Willow Lake?
The average commute in Willow Lake is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Willow Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow Lake is 84.2% White, 13% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 14.7% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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