Sister Bay, WI
Population 1,016 · Wisconsin
About Sister Bay, WI
Sister Bay is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 1,016 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,679 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.8 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 Sister Bay features a median home value of $328,700, which is 34% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Sister Bay in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,018, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,415 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (257 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (292 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sister Bay 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 25.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sister Bay have an average one-way commute time of 12.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
48.6% of Sister Bay residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sister Bay, WI
Compared to national averages, Sister Bay has a median household income of $57,679 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $328,700, which is 34% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,018 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Sister Bay's income is 21% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 60% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Sister Bay, WI?
Sister Bay offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,018/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 48.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,679) that falls below the national average. However, Sister Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sister Bay has a population of 1,016 with a median age of 54.8 years. Compare Sister Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Sister Bay
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Lake | 1,019 | $87,244 | $229,600 | Compare |
| Chain O' Lakes | 1,006 | $83,438 | $662,700 | Compare |
| Crivitz | 1,026 | $53,846 | $151,200 | Compare |
| Athens | 1,005 | $49,904 | $168,100 | Compare |
| Amherst | 1,033 | $56,833 | $218,000 | Compare |
| Belmont | 996 | $82,000 | $203,900 | Compare |
| Dresser | 1,037 | $78,906 | $194,400 | Compare |
| Dane | 1,039 | $110,769 | $334,800 | 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 Sister Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sister Bay
What is the population of Sister Bay, WI?
The population of Sister Bay, WI is 1,016 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 Sister Bay?
The median household income in Sister Bay, WI is $57,679 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sister Bay?
The median home value in Sister Bay, WI is $328,700, which is 34% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Sister Bay?
The median monthly rent in Sister Bay, WI is $1,018, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sister Bay?
The unemployment rate in Sister Bay, 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 Sister Bay, WI a good place to live?
Sister Bay offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,016 and a median age of 54.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sister Bay, WI?
48.6% of residents in Sister Bay aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Sister Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sister Bay, WI: median home value is $328,700 (34% above national), median rent is $1,018/month, and median household income is $57,679. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sister Bay?
The poverty rate in Sister Bay, WI is 25.1%, 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 Sister Bay, WI?
Sister Bay's population is 1.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.