Violent Crime
250/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.9%
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wood Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population18
Median Age74.7 yrs
Density56/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans18.0%
Economy
Per Capita$25,367
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$266M
Housing
Ownership63.6%
Zillow$141,776
Housing Units26
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent250/100K
Property821/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Smoking15.6%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain23.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation2,688 ft (819 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.9%
High School+83.3%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Broadband11.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Wood Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wood Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Wood Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wood Lake is below the national average at 250 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 821 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 83.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wood Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.8 inches, including 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wood Lake has a population of 18 with a density of 56 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 74.7 years, 92% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 11.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 18.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
74.7yrs
Median Age
92% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wood Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wood Lake vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $25,367 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% 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 166 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wood Lake vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,367 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,007 |
| Gini Index | 0.485 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 166 |
| County GDP | $266M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 14 |
| Retail | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 50.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,776. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 26 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.4% |
| Housing Units | 26 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
In Wood Lake, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 18.4% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:969. The dentist ratio is 1:957. 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wood Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 18.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:969 |
| Dentists | 1:957 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,426 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,801/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 14 |
Wood Lake has a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 821 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. Overall, Wood Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wood Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 249.8/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 820.8/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wood Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 291 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 23.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,688 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,688 ft (819 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 56/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6383°N, 100.2371°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.8"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.0 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
111 km |
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
136 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
95 km |
| Oct 18, 2012 |
28 km NW of Hyannis, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
23 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
8 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Apr 11, 2016 |
11 km E of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.2 |
43 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Feb 20, 1993 |
21 km WSW of Cody, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
232 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2009 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2002 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1993 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1986 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 1979 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,236 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
77,236 |
77 km |
| 2012 |
REGION 24 COMPLEX |
66,349 |
22 km |
| 2000 |
POWDER HORN |
48,608 |
68 km |
| 2012 |
LONGHORN COMPLEX |
41,443 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
BOVEE |
18,875 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
LIGHTNING |
18,426 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
VAL COMP |
15,513 |
38 km |
| 2012 |
CROOKSTON |
14,962 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
BIG FIRE |
9,107 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
GOOSECREEK |
8,408 |
28 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
7,980 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
MCCANN |
7,110 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
6,693 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
HACKBERRY SOUTH RX |
6,463 |
36 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR CORNERS |
6,241 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
PONY |
5,982 |
27 km |
| 2018 |
NEBRASKA RX |
5,624 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
LEACH CA |
5,195 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
5,143 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Wood Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
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 18 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 56 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 74.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Wood Lake expensive to live in?
Wood Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Wood Lake safe?
Wood Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 821 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wood Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wood Lake?
Wood Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.8 inches, with 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wood Lake?
The job market in Wood Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 166 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Wood Lake?
Schools in Wood Lake score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.9% of adults in Wood Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wood Lake?
The obesity rate in Wood Lake is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 80.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:969.
What are the demographics of Wood Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wood Lake is 88.9% White, 11.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 18.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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