Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bay Mills, WI
Considering a move to Bay Mills, WI? This small northern community offers a peaceful lifestyle with a population of about 1,300 and affordable housing—median home prices around $162,000 and rents near $790. Residents enjoy short commutes, low crime rates, and a scenic climate with crisp winters and mild summers. While educational attainment and incomes are modest, Bay Mills features friendly neighborhoods, easy access to nature, and a cost of living below the national average—making it a welcoming choice for those seeking tranquility and value.
Demographics - Bay Mills, WI
Demographics - Bay Mills, WI
Bay Mills is a small, close-knit community of approximately 1,300 residents, where the median age is just over 40 and the population is predominantly White and Native American. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming, diverse atmosphere. Its low population density provides a peaceful, rural lifestyle ideal for those seeking a slower pace.
Population:
1,300
Density:
35 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bay Mills, WI?
The cost of living in Bay Mills is notably below the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.4. Affordable housing is a highlight, as the median home value is $162,000 and median rent is $790 per month. Residents also benefit from reasonable utility costs and state tax rates, making Bay Mills an economical choice for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.4
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
76.4
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
91.5
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Bay Mills, WI a safe place to live?
Bay Mills experiences relatively low crime rates, with just 196 violent crimes and 1,340 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 510, helping residents feel safe in their daily lives. This secure environment is appealing for those prioritizing community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
196
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,340
Crime Index:
1,536
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 510
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Bay Mills, WI year-round?
Bay Mills features a northern climate with cold, snowy winters where lows average 4°F, and mild summers reaching highs around 78°F. The area receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 47% of the year. Residents can expect crisp seasonal changes and ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
4°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
57°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Bay Mills residents have a median household income of $48,900 and a per capita income of $23,700, with a poverty rate of 14.6%. The community boasts a high school graduation rate of over 88% and an average commute time of just 19 minutes. Its small-town charm is enhanced by low public transport usage and a friendly, neighborly spirit.
Median Income:
$33,800
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,700
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.9%
Education
How are the schools in Bay Mills, WI?
Bay Mills offers accessible public education through Bayfield Elementary School, which has a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 11.4. For higher education, Northland College is located just 29 miles away in Ashland, providing local options for continued learning. The area’s educational resources cater to families seeking quality and community-focused schooling.
Public Schools
Name:
Bayfield Elementary School
Street:
300 N 4th St
Phone:
715-779-3201
Students:
225
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.4
Colleges
Name:
Northland College
City:
Ashland
State:
WI
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
550
Healthcare
Healthcare in Bay Mills is accessible, with 91.4% of residents covered by health insurance and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. The nearby Aspirus Iron River Hospital provides general and emergency services, supporting the community’s needs. Overall, residents benefit from a solid level of healthcare convenience and coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Aspirus Iron River Hospital
Address:
1400 W Ice Lake Rd, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone:
(906) 265-6121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bay Mills, WI?
The Bay Mills housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $162,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 75%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $790 and a moderate vacancy rate. The area has seen steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it a solid choice for homebuyers.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Bay Mills residents are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Madison. The DMV offers a range of online and in-person services to meet driver and vehicle needs. Residents can access resources and support through the state’s official website or by phone.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
201 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.