Median Income
$68,958
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,000
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$650
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Wood Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population398
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density531/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans13.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,958
Per Capita$33,407
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$784M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,000
Rent$650
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$166,943
Housing Units164
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property763/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.9%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,052 ft (321 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute28 min
Broadband86.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Wood Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wood Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Wood Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wood Lake is $68,958, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wood Lake is $85,000, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $650 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wood Lake 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 763 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wood Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 51.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Wood Lake has a population of 398 with a density of 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (88.4%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 13.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wood Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wood Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wood Lake is $68,958, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,407 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wood Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,958 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,407 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,153 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $784M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Wood Lake is $85,000, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,943, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $650 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 164 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $3,238. 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,000 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,943 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $650 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 164 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.81% |
In Wood Lake, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882. The dentist ratio is 1:2,372. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wood Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,882 |
| Dentists | 1:2,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,052 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,670/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Wood Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 763 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wood Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Wood Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 763.4/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Wood Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,052 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,052 ft (321 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 531/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6513°N, 95.5358°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yellow Medicine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
128 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
433 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 281 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
56 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
67 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
92 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
89 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Wood Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Wood Lake. 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 | $860 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $765 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Lake
What is the population of Wood Lake?
Wood Lake has a population of 398 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Wood Lake expensive to live in?
Wood Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,958, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,000 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $650 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wood Lake safe?
Wood Lake 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 763 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wood Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wood Lake?
Wood Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 51.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Wood Lake?
The job market in Wood Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wood Lake?
The median home value in Wood Lake is $85,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,943. For renters, the median monthly rent is $650. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,238.
How are the schools in Wood Lake?
Schools in Wood Lake score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Wood Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wood Lake?
The obesity rate in Wood Lake is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882.
What is transportation like in Wood Lake?
The average commute in Wood Lake is 28 minutes. 76% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wood Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wood Lake is 88.4% White, 1% Black or African American, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
