Bayfield County, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,575
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,151/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,356
0.5% year-over-year change

Bayfield County population

How many people live in Bayfield County

Bayfield County is home to 16,575 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Bayfield County locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
16,575
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
8,441
Female
49.1%
8,134
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,441 50.9% 0.7%
Female 8,134 49.1% 1.3%
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 Bayfield County is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.1% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18% of the population, while another 29% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
54.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.1%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
18%
45 to 64
29%
Over 65
31.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,170 13.1% -0.7%
15 to 24 1,433 8.6% -0.3%
25 to 44 2,985 18% 2.2%
45 to 64 4,802 29% -1.8%
Over 65 5,185 31.3% 4.2%
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 Bayfield County, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,334 98.6% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 169 1% -9.6%
Non-citizens 72 0.4% -2.7%
Racial breakdown
White
84.1%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
7.8%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 13,945 84.1%
Black or African American 125 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,290 7.8%
Asian 92 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 7 0%
Two or more races 1,057 6.4%
Other 59 0.4%

Households in Bayfield County

A peek inside Bayfield County households

Bayfield County has 7,437 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66% are families, while the remaining 34% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,437
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,531
Family households
4,906
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,531 34% -1.6%
Family households 4,906 66% 0.3%
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 Bayfield County

The housing landscape of Bayfield County

Bayfield County's housing consists of 13,356 units, with 85.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,356
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,476 85.9%
1 unit, attached 200 1.5%
2 units 271 2%
3 or 4 units 136 1%
5 to 9 units 161 1.2%
10 to 19 units 291 2.2%
20 to 49 units 82 0.6%
50 or more units 11 0.1%
Mobile home 715 5.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 13 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
140
50.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bayfield County

In Bayfield County, the median construction year is 1982. About 15.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,031 15.2% -0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 672 5% -5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 791 5.9% 8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,038 7.8% 1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,905 14.3% -2.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,576 11.8% 4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,749 13.1% -6.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,503 18.7% 1.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 951 7.1% 8.9%
Built in 2020 or later 140 1% 50.5%
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.

Bayfield County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,437 occupied housing units in Bayfield County, 83.9% are owner-occupied, while 16.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 44.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,437
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,200
Owner occupied
6,237
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,200 16.1% 4.1%
Owner occupied 6,237 83.9% -1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
44.3%
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.

Bayfield County housing costs

Housing costs in Bayfield County come to a median of $882 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $812.

Median housing costs per month
$882/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 Bayfield County
$812/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 Bayfield County

Bayfield County education at a glance

About 31% of the population in Bayfield County went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 12.4% earned an associate degree and 20.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 164 1.2% 10.8%
High school diploma 4,305 31% 4.0%
College diploma 3,077 22.2% -2.7%
Associate degree 1,723 12.4% 0.6%
Bachelor's degree 2,889 20.8% 1.7%
Graduate degree 1,710 12.3% 1.2%
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 Bayfield County

How much people earn in Bayfield County

The average annual household income in Bayfield County was $89,755 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,151, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bayfield County
$89,755/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bayfield County
$71,151/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Bayfield County income by age

In Bayfield County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,287. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,231 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,286 in earnings. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,375 -19.0%
25 - 44 $82,287 4.8%
45 - 64 $90,231 2.1%
Over 65 $59,286 3.0%
Above poverty level
14,706
Below poverty level
1,600
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,706 90.2% 0.1%
Below poverty level 1,600 9.8% 10.1%

Employment in Bayfield County

Workforce and job types in Bayfield County

The job market in Bayfield County is powered by 7,227 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.8% run their own businesses, 55% are employed by private companies, and 19.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,227
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
5,416
Blue collar
1,811
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,416 74.9% -0.4%
Blue collar 1,811 25.1% -3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14.8%
Private companies
55%
Governmental workers
19.8%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,072 14.8% -4.2%
Private companies 3,978 55% -2.4%
Governmental workers 1,430 19.8% 1.6%
Not for profit companies 747 10.3% 5.7%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
-0.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bayfield County stands at 3.6%, 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 Bayfield County

How people get around in Bayfield County

In Bayfield County, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,721 80.7% -1.8%
Bus or trolleybus 44 0.6% -13.7%
Railroad 1 0% 0.0%
Ferryboat 15 0.2% -28.6%
Motorcycle 2 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 56 0.8% 86.7%
Walk 252 3.6% 3.3%
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 Bayfield County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54832 453 208 $76,136 $88,933
54839 342 139 $80,625 $84,749
54844 243 123 $63,036 $83,886
54847 2,607 1,203 $68,795 $96,058
54517 167 86 $73,571 $83,322
54806 11,704 4,852 $64,864 $79,775
54814 2,762 1,215 $63,682 $81,820
54820 707 339 $85,179 $97,578
54821 1,625 788 $57,813 $92,044
54827 300 166 $90,000 $101,418

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FAQs about Bayfield County demographics 

What is the total population of Bayfield County?

Bayfield County has a total population of 16,575 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bayfield County?

The gender ratio in Bayfield County is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (8,441 residents)
  • 49.1% females (8,134 residents)

What is the median age in Bayfield County?

The median age in Bayfield County is 54.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bayfield County?

The age distribution in Bayfield County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.1% (2,170 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (1,433 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18% (2,985 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29% (4,802 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.3% (5,185 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bayfield County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bayfield County is as follows:
  • White: 84.1% (13,945 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (125 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 7.8% (1,290 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (92 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (7 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (1,057 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (59 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bayfield County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Bayfield County.

How many housing units are there in Bayfield County?

There are 13,356 housing units in Bayfield County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bayfield County and what is the average household size?

Bayfield County has a total of 7,437 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bayfield County?

Bayfield County has a median household income of $71,151, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bayfield County?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Bayfield County, with a workforce of 7,227 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.9% (5,416 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.1% (1,811 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.8% (1,072 residents)
  • Private companies: 55% (3,978 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.8% (1,430 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (747 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