Willow Lake, IL
Population 838 · Illinois
About Willow Lake, IL
Willow Lake is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 838 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,750 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Willow Lake features a median home value of $154,100, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Willow Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 391 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (358 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (20 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Willow Lake shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Willow Lake have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.2% of Willow Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Willow Lake, IL
Compared to national averages, Willow Lake has a median household income of $93,750 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $154,100, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Willow Lake's income is 25% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 7% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Willow Lake, IL?
Willow Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,750, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $154,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Willow Lake has a population of 838 with a median age of 56.6 years. Compare Willow Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Willow Lake
What is the population of Willow Lake, IL?
The population of Willow Lake, IL is 838 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Willow Lake?
The median household income in Willow Lake, IL is $93,750 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Willow Lake?
The median home value in Willow Lake, IL is $154,100, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Willow Lake?
The median monthly rent in Willow Lake, IL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Willow Lake?
The unemployment rate in Willow Lake, IL is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Willow Lake, IL a good place to live?
Willow Lake offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 838 and a median age of 56.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Willow Lake, IL?
24.2% of residents in Willow Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Willow Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Willow Lake, IL: median home value is $154,100 (37% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $93,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Willow Lake?
The poverty rate in Willow Lake, IL is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Willow Lake, IL?
Willow Lake's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 13.0% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.