Kiel, WI
Population 3,919 · Wisconsin
About Kiel, WI
Kiel is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 3,919 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,914 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.6 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 Kiel features a median home value of $172,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Kiel in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $845, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,774 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,285 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (416 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kiel shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kiel have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.8% of Kiel 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 1.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kiel, WI
Compared to national averages, Kiel has a median household income of $73,914 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $172,300, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $845 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Kiel's income is 2% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 16% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Kiel, WI?
Kiel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $172,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $845/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,914) that falls below the national average. However, Kiel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kiel has a population of 3,919 with a median age of 43.6 years. Compare Kiel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Kiel
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | 3,916 | $80,625 | $173,300 | Compare |
| Raymond | 3,928 | $106,696 | $360,000 | Compare |
| Pulaski | 3,892 | $66,399 | $228,700 | Compare |
| Chilton | 3,987 | $77,935 | $160,100 | Compare |
| North Hudson | 3,848 | $114,539 | $372,900 | Compare |
| Marshall | 3,806 | $84,462 | $233,000 | Compare |
| Horicon | 3,797 | $49,556 | $162,400 | Compare |
| Rochester | 3,780 | $104,429 | $340,900 | 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 Kiel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kiel
What is the population of Kiel, WI?
The population of Kiel, WI is 3,919 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Kiel?
The median household income in Kiel, WI is $73,914 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kiel?
The median home value in Kiel, WI is $172,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kiel?
The median monthly rent in Kiel, WI is $845, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kiel?
The unemployment rate in Kiel, WI is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kiel, WI a good place to live?
Kiel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,919 and a median age of 43.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kiel, WI?
17.8% of residents in Kiel 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 Kiel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kiel, WI: median home value is $172,300 (30% below national), median rent is $845/month, and median household income is $73,914. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kiel?
The poverty rate in Kiel, WI is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kiel, WI?
Kiel's population is 1.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.