Willow Lake, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
433
-4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,875/yr
14.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
122
-2.4% year-over-year change

Willow Lake population

How many people live in Willow Lake

Willow Lake is home to 433 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 60.7% of Willow Lake locals are male, and 39.3% are female.

Total population
433
-4.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
60.7%
263
Female
39.3%
170
Value Percent YoY change
Male 263 60.7% 6.5%
Female 170 39.3% -18.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Willow Lake is 18, with the population distributed as follows: about 46.2% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.6% of the population, while another 11.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
17.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
46.2%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
19.6%
45 to 64
11.1%
Over 65
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 200 46.2% -9.9%
15 to 24 62 14.3% 3.3%
25 to 44 85 19.6% -10.5%
45 to 64 48 11.1% 11.6%
Over 65 38 8.8% 8.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 422 97.5% -2.8%
Non-citizens 11 2.5% -42.1%
Racial breakdown
White
94.7%
Black or African American
3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 410 94.7%
Black or African American 16 3.7%
Two or more races 7 1.6%

Households in Willow Lake

A peek inside Willow Lake households

Willow Lake has 111 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 67.6% are families, while the remaining 32.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
111
4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
36
Family households
75
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 36 32.4% 0.0%
Family households 75 67.6% 7.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Willow Lake

The housing landscape of Willow Lake

Willow Lake's housing consists of 122 units, with 84.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
122
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 103 84.4%
1 unit, attached 7 5.7%
3 or 4 units 12 9.8%
Homes built since 2020
1
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Willow Lake

In Willow Lake, the median construction year is 1949. About 42.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 52 42.6% 2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 8.2% 66.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7 5.7% -22.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 18 14.8% -10.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8 6.6% -42.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7 5.7% 133.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1 0.8% -80.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 10.7% 8.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 4.1% 25.0%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.8% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Willow Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 111 occupied housing units in Willow Lake, 62.2% are owner-occupied, while 37.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
111
4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
42
Owner occupied
69
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 42 37.8% 0.0%
Owner occupied 69 62.2% 7.8%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Willow Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Willow Lake come to a median of $823 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $815.

Median housing costs per month
$823/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Willow Lake
$815/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Willow Lake

Willow Lake education at a glance

About 34.4% of the population in Willow Lake went to high school, while 34% pursued college studies. Another 16% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 73 34.4% 14.1%
College diploma 72 34% 22.0%
Associate degree 34 16% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 33 15.6% 17.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Willow Lake

How much people earn in Willow Lake

The average annual household income in Willow Lake was $74,255 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,875, reflecting a +14% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Willow Lake
$74,255/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Willow Lake
$72,875/year
14.0% year-over-year change

Willow Lake income by age

In Willow Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,750. Overall, 98.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $93,750 3.0%
Over 65 $38,125 1.7%
Above poverty level
425
Below poverty level
5
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 425 98.8% -3.9%
Below poverty level 5 1.2% 0.0%

Average renter income in Willow Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Willow Lake, their median household income was $61,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 15.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,750
Rent-to-income ratio
15.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Willow Lake

Workforce and job types in Willow Lake

The job market in Willow Lake is powered by 140 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 57.9% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
140
-2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
116
Blue collar
24
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 116 82.9% 11.5%
Blue collar 24 17.1% -40.0%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
57.9%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7 5% 0.0%
Private companies 81 57.9% -14.7%
Governmental workers 21 15% 10.5%
Not for profit companies 31 22.1% 34.8%

Transportation in Willow Lake

How people get around in Willow Lake

Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 106 82.8% -7.0%
Walk 2 1.6% 100.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Willow Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57278 1,011 255 $70,208 $92,047

Explore more communities

FAQs about Willow Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Willow Lake?

Willow Lake has a total population of 433 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -4.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Willow Lake?

The gender ratio in Willow Lake is as follows:
  • 60.7% males (263 residents)
  • 39.3% females (170 residents)

What is the median age in Willow Lake?

The median age in Willow Lake is 17.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Willow Lake?

The age distribution in Willow Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 46.2% (200 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (62 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.6% (85 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 11.1% (48 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.8% (38 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Willow Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow Lake is as follows:
  • White: 94.7% (410 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.7% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.6% (7 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Willow Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Willow Lake.

How many housing units are there in Willow Lake?

There are 122 housing units in Willow Lake, reflecting a -2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Willow Lake and what is the average household size?

Willow Lake has a total of 111 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Willow Lake?

Willow Lake has a median household income of $72,875, representing a +14.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Willow Lake?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.9% (116 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.1% (24 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (7 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.9% (81 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (21 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.1% (31 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025