Gays Mills, WI
Population 577 · Wisconsin
About Gays Mills, WI
Gays Mills is a small community located in Wisconsin with a population of 577 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,682 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gays Mills features a median home value of $156,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gays Mills in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $775, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 325 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (170 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (88 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gays Mills shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gays Mills have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Gays Mills residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gays Mills, WI
Compared to national averages, Gays Mills has a median household income of $35,682 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,900, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Gays Mills's income is 51% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 24% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Gays Mills, WI?
Gays Mills offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,682) that falls below the national average. However, Gays Mills’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gays Mills has a population of 577 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Gays Mills with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Gays Mills
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestville | 576 | $78,125 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Merrimac | 575 | $102,344 | $274,200 | Compare |
| Star Prairie | 579 | $71,667 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Dellwood | 572 | $38,625 | $160,400 | Compare |
| Plum City | 582 | $58,750 | $164,600 | Compare |
| Alma Center | 583 | $64,375 | $121,300 | Compare |
| Gresham | 571 | $48,750 | $120,100 | Compare |
| Merrillan | 568 | $53,875 | $129,300 | 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 Gays Mills With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gays Mills
What is the population of Gays Mills, WI?
The population of Gays Mills, WI is 577 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 Gays Mills?
The median household income in Gays Mills, WI is $35,682 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gays Mills?
The median home value in Gays Mills, WI is $156,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gays Mills?
The median monthly rent in Gays Mills, WI is $775, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gays Mills?
The unemployment rate in Gays Mills, WI is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gays Mills, WI a good place to live?
Gays Mills offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 577 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gays Mills, WI?
15.7% of residents in Gays Mills 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 Gays Mills?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gays Mills, WI: median home value is $156,900 (36% below national), median rent is $775/month, and median household income is $35,682. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gays Mills?
The poverty rate in Gays Mills, WI is 16.5%, 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 Gays Mills, WI?
Gays Mills's population is 3.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.