Lena, WI
Population 536 · Wisconsin
About Lena, WI
Lena is a small community located in Wisconsin with a population of 536 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,917 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lena features a median home value of $132,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lena one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $637, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 282 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (143 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (115 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lena shows an unemployment rate of 10.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lena have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
7.5% of Lena 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 2.2% White, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lena, WI
Compared to national averages, Lena has a median household income of $57,917 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,900, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $637 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Lena's income is 20% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 35% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Lena, WI?
Lena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $637/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,917) that falls below the national average. However, Lena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lena has a population of 536 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Lena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
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Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lena
What is the population of Lena, WI?
The population of Lena, WI is 536 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 Lena?
The median household income in Lena, WI is $57,917 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lena?
The median home value in Lena, WI is $132,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lena?
The median monthly rent in Lena, WI is $637, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lena?
The unemployment rate in Lena, WI is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lena, WI a good place to live?
Lena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 536 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lena, WI?
7.5% of residents in Lena 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 Lena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lena, WI: median home value is $132,900 (46% below national), median rent is $637/month, and median household income is $57,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lena?
The poverty rate in Lena, WI is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lena, WI?
Lena's population is 2.2% White, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.