Sister Bay, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,044
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,169/yr
23.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,408
-0.5% year-over-year change

Sister Bay population

How many people live in Sister Bay

Sister Bay is home to 1,044 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.4% of Sister Bay locals are male, and 59.6% are female.

Total population
1,044
2.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.4%
422
Female
59.6%
622
Value Percent YoY change
Male 422 40.4% -4.1%
Female 622 59.6% 8.0%
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 Sister Bay is 61, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 4.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.6% of the population, while another 15.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 46% are 65 or older.

Median age
61
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
4.2%
25 to 44
17.6%
45 to 64
15.8%
Over 65
46%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 171 16.4% -3.9%
15 to 24 44 4.2% 41.9%
25 to 44 184 17.6% -14.0%
45 to 64 165 15.8% 2.5%
Over 65 480 46% 11.1%
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 Sister Bay, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,030 98.7% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6 0.6% 100.0%
Non-citizens 8 0.8% 33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
97%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,013 97%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0.5%
Asian 10 1%
Two or more races 16 1.5%

Households in Sister Bay

A peek inside Sister Bay households

Sister Bay has 575 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.5% are families, while the remaining 44.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
575
4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
256
Family households
319
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 256 44.5% 4.5%
Family households 319 55.5% 4.9%
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 Sister Bay

The housing landscape of Sister Bay

Sister Bay's housing consists of 1,408 units, with 34.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,408
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 482 34.2%
1 unit, attached 138 9.8%
2 units 30 2.1%
3 or 4 units 204 14.5%
5 to 9 units 240 17%
10 to 19 units 162 11.5%
20 to 49 units 57 4%
50 or more units 95 6.8%
Homes built since 2020
17
70.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sister Bay

In Sister Bay, the median construction year is 1993. About 4.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 24.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 68 4.8% 36.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 38 2.7% -37.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 24 1.7% -60.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 36 2.6% 24.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 187 13.3% 23.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 268 19% 1.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 250 17.8% -10.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 174 12.4% -4.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 346 24.6% 6.1%
Built in 2020 or later 17 1.2% 70.0%
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.

Sister Bay occupancy rates

Out of the 575 occupied housing units in Sister Bay, 50.3% are owner-occupied, while 49.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 59.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
575
4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
286
Owner occupied
289
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 286 49.7% -2.0%
Owner occupied 289 50.3% 12.4%
Unoccupied housing units
59.2%
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.

Sister Bay housing costs

Housing costs in Sister Bay come to a median of $1,204 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,168.

Median housing costs per month
$1,204/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 Sister Bay
$1,168/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 Sister Bay

Sister Bay education at a glance

About 16% of the population in Sister Bay went to high school, while 24.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 31.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 138 16% -14.3%
College diploma 212 24.6% -5.4%
Associate degree 62 7.2% 82.3%
Bachelor's degree 273 31.7% 21.9%
Graduate degree 176 20.4% -1.7%
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 Sister Bay

How much people earn in Sister Bay

The average annual household income in Sister Bay was $95,563 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,169, reflecting a +23.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sister Bay
$95,563/year
8.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sister Bay
$71,169/year
23.4% year-over-year change

Sister Bay income by age

In Sister Bay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $54,531. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,417 overall. Overall, 75.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $54,531 49.8%
45 - 64 $65,417 N/A
Over 65 $72,994 3.8%
Above poverty level
736
Below poverty level
243
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 736 75.2% 2.9%
Below poverty level 243 24.8% 0.8%

Average renter income in Sister Bay

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sister Bay, their median household income was $33,350 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,350
Rent-to-income ratio
42%
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 Sister Bay

Workforce and job types in Sister Bay

The job market in Sister Bay is powered by 409 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 32.3% run their own businesses, 49.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
409
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
352
Blue collar
57
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 352 86.1% 1.4%
Blue collar 57 13.9% -18.6%
Employer type
Self employees
32.3%
Private companies
49.6%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 132 32.3% 29.4%
Private companies 203 49.6% -11.7%
Governmental workers 59 14.4% -1.7%
Not for profit companies 15 3.7% -40.0%
Unemployment rate
0.7%
-70.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sister Bay stands at 0.7%, 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 Sister Bay

How people get around in Sister Bay

Commuting methods vary: 71.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.2% 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 288 71.3% -6.2%
Bicycle 5 1.2% N/A
Walk 29 7.2% -14.7%
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 Sister Bay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54234 2,158 1,121 $74,583 $106,026

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FAQs about Sister Bay demographics 

What is the total population of Sister Bay?

Sister Bay has a total population of 1,044 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 +2.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sister Bay?

The gender ratio in Sister Bay is as follows:
  • 40.4% males (422 residents)
  • 59.6% females (622 residents)

What is the median age in Sister Bay?

The median age in Sister Bay is 61.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sister Bay?

The age distribution in Sister Bay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (171 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.2% (44 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.6% (184 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.8% (165 residents)
  • Over 65: 46% (480 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sister Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sister Bay is as follows:
  • White: 97% (1,013 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.5% (16 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sister Bay are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Sister Bay.

How many housing units are there in Sister Bay?

There are 1,408 housing units in Sister Bay, 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 Sister Bay and what is the average household size?

Sister Bay has a total of 575 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sister Bay?

Sister Bay has a median household income of $71,169, representing a +23.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sister Bay?

The employment rate is 99.3% in Sister Bay, with a workforce of 409 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.1% (352 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.9% (57 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 32.3% (132 residents)
  • Private companies: 49.6% (203 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (59 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.7% (15 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