Lake of the Woods, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,984
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$109,153/yr
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,911
2.2% year-over-year change

Lake of the Woods population

How many people live in Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is home to 7,984 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Lake of the Woods locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
7,984
-2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
3,914
Female
51%
4,070
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,914 49% 0.5%
Female 4,070 51% -4.7%
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 Lake of the Woods is 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.6% are children under 15, then 6.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.8% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
52.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
6.4%
25 to 44
19.8%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
34.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,163 14.6% -10.5%
15 to 24 511 6.4% -10.7%
25 to 44 1,581 19.8% -1.7%
45 to 64 1,976 24.8% 6.1%
Over 65 2,753 34.5% -2.5%
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

In Lake of the Woods, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.7% of locals are Caucasian, 6.5% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.5%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,151 89.6% -3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 599 7.5% 1.7%
Non-citizens 234 2.9% 18.8%
Racial breakdown
White
75.7%
Black or African American
6.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.6%
Other
4%
Value Percent
White 6,047 75.7%
Black or African American 522 6.5%
Asian 174 2.2%
Two or more races 923 11.6%
Other 318 4%

Households in Lake of the Woods

A peek inside Lake of the Woods households

Lake of the Woods has 3,517 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 75.5% are families, while the remaining 24.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,517
-1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
861
Family households
2,656
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 861 24.5% 0.9%
Family households 2,656 75.5% -2.3%
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 Lake of the Woods

The housing landscape of Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods's housing consists of 3,911 units, with 99.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,911
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,898 99.7%
Mobile home 13 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
95
955.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake of the Woods

In Lake of the Woods, the median construction year is 1995. About 1.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 27.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 71 1.8% 18.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8 0.2% -42.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 0.2% -67.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 159 4.1% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 468 12% -0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 859 22% -7.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 825 21.1% 9.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,070 27.4% 2.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 347 8.9% -4.1%
Built in 2020 or later 95 2.4% 955.6%
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.

Lake of the Woods occupancy rates

Out of the 3,517 occupied housing units in Lake of the Woods, 95.6% are owner-occupied, while 4.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,517
-1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
153
Owner occupied
3,364
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 153 4.4% -25.0%
Owner occupied 3,364 95.6% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
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.

Lake of the Woods housing costs

Housing costs in Lake of the Woods come to a median of $1,521 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,765.

Median housing costs per month
$1,521/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 Lake of the Woods
$1,765/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 Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods education at a glance

About 28.4% of the population in Lake of the Woods went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 24.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 129 1.9% -10.4%
High school diploma 1,891 28.4% 11.6%
College diploma 1,288 19.3% -13.8%
Associate degree 447 6.7% -8.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,654 24.8% 7.8%
Graduate degree 1,250 18.8% -5.7%
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 Lake of the Woods

How much people earn in Lake of the Woods

The average annual household income in Lake of the Woods was $134,469 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $109,153, reflecting a -3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake of the Woods
$134,469/year
-7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake of the Woods
$109,153/year
-3.3% year-over-year change

Lake of the Woods income by age

In Lake of the Woods, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $140,809. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $136,750 overall. Overall, 94.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $140,809 15.9%
45 - 64 $136,750 -0.5%
Over 65 $93,479 0.8%
Above poverty level
7,487
Below poverty level
443
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,487 94.4% -2.8%
Below poverty level 443 5.6% 12.4%

Average renter income in Lake of the Woods

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lake of the Woods, their median household income was $115,473 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$115,473
Rent-to-income ratio
18.3%
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 Lake of the Woods

Workforce and job types in Lake of the Woods

The job market in Lake of the Woods is powered by 3,111 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 60.4% are employed by private companies, and 24.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,111
-3.6% year-over-year change
White collar
2,368
Blue collar
743
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,368 76.1% -11.3%
Blue collar 743 23.9% 32.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
60.4%
Governmental workers
24.8%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 206 6.6% -14.2%
Private companies 1,879 60.4% 0.2%
Governmental workers 773 24.8% -1.4%
Not for profit companies 253 8.1% -23.1%
Unemployment rate
0.8%
-72.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lake of the Woods stands at 0.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lake of the Woods

How people get around in Lake of the Woods

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,386 79.2% -6.7%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.1% 0.0%
Railroad 30 1% 30.4%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Lake of the Woods demographics 

What is the total population of Lake of the Woods?

Lake of the Woods has a total population of 7,984 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 -2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake of the Woods?

The gender ratio in Lake of the Woods is as follows:
  • 49% males (3,914 residents)
  • 51% females (4,070 residents)

What is the median age in Lake of the Woods?

The median age in Lake of the Woods is 52.8.

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

The age distribution in Lake of the Woods is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.6% (1,163 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.4% (511 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.8% (1,581 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (1,976 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.5% (2,753 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake of the Woods?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake of the Woods is as follows:
  • White: 75.7% (6,047 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.5% (522 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (174 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.6% (923 residents)
  • Other: 4% (318 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.6% of the population in Lake of the Woods.

How many housing units are there in Lake of the Woods?

There are 3,911 housing units in Lake of the Woods, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lake of the Woods has a total of 3,517 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake of the Woods?

Lake of the Woods has a median household income of $109,153, representing a -3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lake of the Woods?

The employment rate is 99.2% in Lake of the Woods, with a workforce of 3,111 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.1% (2,368 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.9% (743 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (206 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.4% (1,879 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.8% (773 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (253 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