Chief Lake, WI
Population 645 · Wisconsin
About Chief Lake, WI
Chief Lake is a small community located in Wisconsin with a population of 645 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,813 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.9 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 Chief Lake features a median home value of $92,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chief Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $758, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 520 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (232 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chief Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chief Lake have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.6% of Chief 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 9.0% White, 75.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chief Lake Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Chief Lake, WI
Compared to national averages, Chief Lake has a median household income of $67,813 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,100, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $758 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Chief Lake's income is 7% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 55% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Chief Lake, WI?
Chief Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $758/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,813) that falls below the national average. However, Chief Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chief Lake has a population of 645 with a median age of 46.9 years. Compare Chief Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Chief Lake
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Douglas | 646 | $63,125 | $114,000 | Compare |
| Lily Lake | 639 | $78,558 | $288,000 | Compare |
| Melrose | 637 | $50,208 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Forest Junction | 655 | $81,563 | $192,300 | Compare |
| Wauzeka | 655 | $65,469 | $109,600 | Compare |
| Wausaukee | 633 | $44,554 | $92,300 | Compare |
| Ettrick | 632 | $80,139 | $142,000 | Compare |
| Stetsonville | 632 | $54,567 | $178,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chief Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chief Lake
What is the population of Chief Lake, WI?
The population of Chief Lake, WI is 645 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Chief Lake?
The median household income in Chief Lake, WI is $67,813 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chief Lake?
The median home value in Chief Lake, WI is $92,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chief Lake?
The median monthly rent in Chief Lake, WI is $758, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chief Lake?
The unemployment rate in Chief Lake, WI is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chief Lake, WI a good place to live?
Chief Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 645 and a median age of 46.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chief Lake, WI?
24.6% of residents in Chief 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 Chief Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chief Lake, WI: median home value is $92,100 (62% below national), median rent is $758/month, and median household income is $67,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chief Lake?
The poverty rate in Chief Lake, WI is 17.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chief Lake, WI?
Chief Lake's population is 9.0% White, 75.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.