Median Income
$63,929
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,000
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$810
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% 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
Population455
Median Age16.2 yrs
Density1,230/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans12.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,929
Per Capita$15,916
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$337M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,000
Rent$810
Ownership60.4%
Zillow$248,681
Housing Units127
Rent Burden14.3%
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking17.2%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Elevation1,778 ft (542 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute19 min
Broadband83.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Willow Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willow 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. 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 $63,929, 15% below the national average of $75,149. 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 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Willow Lake is $150,000, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Willow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 47.7 inches of snow.
Willow Lake has a population of 455 with a density of 1,230 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 16.2 years, 58% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), with 13.4% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.6% of residents, while 15.2% speak Spanish. 12.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
455
Total Population
2023 Census
16.2yrs
Median Age
58% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Willow Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.6%
9% above US avg
Spanish
15.2%
13% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Willow Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Willow Lake is $63,929, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,916 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $899, 37% 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 188 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Willow Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,929 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,916 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $899 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,140 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $337M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 14 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Willow Lake is $150,000, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,681, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $810 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. 14.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,681 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $810 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.6% |
| Housing Units | 127 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
In Willow Lake, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.5% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,956. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Willow Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,956 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 4,614/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Willow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,778 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,778 ft (542 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,230/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6279°N, 97.6381°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.42"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
452 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 200 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
98 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PHEASANT OPENER (1,206 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
66 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Willow Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$222 ($133-$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177-$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89-$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709-$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354-$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89-$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133-$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544-$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354-$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873-$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443-$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430-$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772-$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709-$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177-$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886-$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66-$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22-$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66-$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54-$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66-$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063-$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532-$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443-$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177-$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354-$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430-$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89-$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Lake
What is the population of Willow Lake?
Willow Lake has a population of 455 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,230 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 16.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Willow Lake expensive to live in?
Willow Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,929, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,000 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Willow Lake?
Willow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 47.7 inches of snow.
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 $899. There are 188 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Willow Lake?
The median home value in Willow Lake is $150,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,681. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.4%.
How are the schools in Willow Lake?
Schools in Willow Lake score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.2% of adults in Willow Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willow Lake?
The obesity rate in Willow Lake is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 36.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Willow Lake?
The average commute in Willow Lake is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Willow Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow Lake is 83.1% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 13.4% Hispanic or Latino. 85.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.2% speak Spanish. 12.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.6% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.