Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Washington Island, WI
Considering a move to Washington Island, WI? This charming, close-knit community of about 700 residents is known for its peaceful, scenic lifestyle and affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $262,000 and average rents at $950. Crime rates are exceptionally low, and commutes are short, averaging just 13 minutes. Residents enjoy a tranquil climate with cool summers and snowy winters, supported by a quality local school and access to healthcare through a local clinic and nearby hospital. Washington Island is ideal for those seeking a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle with a welcoming, small-town feel.
Demographics - Washington Island, WI
Demographics - Washington Island, WI
Washington Island is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 708 people, most of whom are older adults, as the median age is over 60. The area is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a very low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a quiet and homogenous place to live.
Population:
708
Density:
26 per sq mi
Median Age:
60.5
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Washington Island, WI?
Living on Washington Island is affordable, with a median home value of $262,000 and average monthly rent around $950. Overall expenses are close to the national average, with utilities slightly higher, making it an accessible option for many seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$262,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,415
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.0
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
93.2
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
95.1
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
96.4
Crime
Is Washington Island, WI a safe place to live?
Washington Island boasts exceptionally low crime rates, with just 60 violent crimes and 350 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering a high sense of safety for its residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is extremely rare, making this a reassuring place for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
350
Crime Index:
410
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 285
Weather
What is the weather like in Washington Island, WI year-round?
The island experiences cool summers with highs around 75°F and snowy winters with average lows near 10°F, along with about 29 inches of annual rainfall. With 55% of days being sunny, residents enjoy a blend of crisp seasonal weather and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
56°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
75°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $57,000 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, reflecting economic stability. Most neighbors have completed high school, and commute times are short, averaging just over 13 minutes, contributing to a relaxed daily pace.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$57,000
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
28.5%
Education
How are the schools in Washington Island, WI?
Education is centered around the Washington Island School, which offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of about 7.5, fostering personalized learning. Higher education options are available nearby in Sturgeon Bay, including Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, providing additional opportunities for career advancement.

Public Schools
Name:
Washington Island School
Street:
888 Main Rd
Phone:
920-847-2507
Students:
65
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.5

Colleges
Name:
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
City:
Sturgeon Bay
State:
WI
Distance:
27 miles (including ferry)
Students:
7,400
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are met by a local clinic and a nearby hospital offering emergency services, with robust insurance coverage for nearly 94% of residents. There are about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring access to essential medical care on and off the island.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Door County Medical Center – Washington Island Clinic
Address:
910 Main Rd, Washington Island, WI 54246
Phone:
(920) 847-2424
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Door County Medical Center
Address:
323 S 18th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone:
(920) 743-5566
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Washington Island, WI?
The housing market is predominantly owner-occupied, with over 84% of homes owned and a median price of $262,000. Rental options are available, though vacancy rates are slightly above average, and the area has seen steady home appreciation in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$262,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Washington Island residents are served by the Wisconsin DMV office in Sturgeon Bay, which provides comprehensive vehicle and licensing services both in-person and online. The office is easily accessible for islanders needing to manage their driving or registration needs.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
810 W. Maple St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
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.