Washington Island, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
803
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,000/yr
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
926
1.0% year-over-year change

Washington Island population

How many people live in Washington Island

Washington Island is home to 803 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.8% of Washington Island locals are male, and 55.2% are female.

Total population
803
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.8%
360
Female
55.2%
443
Value Percent YoY change
Male 360 44.8% 2.6%
Female 443 55.2% 2.3%
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 Washington Island is 65, with the population distributed as follows: about 10% are children under 15, then 6.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.8% of the population, while another 16.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 49.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
64.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
10%
15 to 24
6.6%
25 to 44
17.8%
45 to 64
16.2%
Over 65
49.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 80 10% -7.0%
15 to 24 53 6.6% -7.0%
25 to 44 143 17.8% -2.0%
45 to 64 130 16.2% 5.7%
Over 65 397 49.4% 6.7%
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 Washington Island, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 781 97.3% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 22 2.7% 46.7%
Racial breakdown
White
91.9%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 738 91.9%
Black or African American 12 1.5%
Two or more races 50 6.2%
Other 3 0.4%

Households in Washington Island

A peek inside Washington Island households

Washington Island has 422 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.2% are families, while the remaining 40.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
422
7.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
172
Family households
250
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 172 40.8% 18.6%
Family households 250 59.2% 1.6%
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 Washington Island

The housing landscape of Washington Island

Washington Island's housing consists of 926 units, with 90.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% 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 1.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
926
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 837 90.4%
1 unit, attached 29 3.1%
2 units 1 0.1%
3 or 4 units 31 3.4%
5 to 9 units 10 1.1%
10 to 19 units 2 0.2%
Mobile home 16 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Washington Island

In Washington Island, the median construction year is 1977. About 16.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 152 16.4% -15.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 39 4.2% -9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 74 8% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 60 6.5% 36.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 191 20.6% -4.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 112 12.1% 5.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 167 18% 7.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 118 12.7% 7.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 1.4% 62.5%
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.

Washington Island occupancy rates

Out of the 422 occupied housing units in Washington Island, 88.9% are owner-occupied, while 11.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 54.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
422
7.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
47
Owner occupied
375
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 47 11.1% -7.8%
Owner occupied 375 88.9% 10.3%
Unoccupied housing units
54.4%
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.

Washington Island housing costs

Housing costs in Washington Island come to a median of $1,023 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $638.

Median housing costs per month
$1,023/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 Washington Island
$638/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 Washington Island

Washington Island education at a glance

About 24% of the population in Washington Island went to high school, while 25.7% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 23.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 0.3% -50.0%
High school diploma 170 24% -4.0%
College diploma 182 25.7% 4.0%
Associate degree 49 6.9% 2.1%
Bachelor's degree 169 23.8% 3.0%
Graduate degree 137 19.3% 19.1%
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 Washington Island

How much people earn in Washington Island

The average annual household income in Washington Island was $85,401 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,000, reflecting a -4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Washington Island
$85,401/year
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Washington Island
$70,000/year
-4.8% year-over-year change

Washington Island income by age

In Washington Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,833 overall. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $90,000 -8.8%
45 - 64 $80,833 3.5%
Over 65 $60,875 1.9%
Above poverty level
715
Below poverty level
74
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 715 90.6% 4.1%
Below poverty level 74 9.4% 4.2%

Employment in Washington Island

Workforce and job types in Washington Island

79.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.1% run their own businesses, 54.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
230
Blue collar
58
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 230 79.9% -3.8%
Blue collar 58 20.1% -6.5%
Employer type
Self employees
20.1%
Private companies
54.5%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
13.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 58 20.1% -1.7%
Private companies 157 54.5% -6.0%
Governmental workers 33 11.5% -21.4%
Not for profit companies 40 13.9% 21.2%

Transportation in Washington Island

How people get around in Washington Island

Commuting methods vary: 85.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.4% 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 192 85.7% -7.7%
Bicycle 11 4.9% -8.3%
Walk 21 9.4% 0.0%
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 Washington Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54246 803 422 $70,000 $85,401

Explore more communities

FAQs about Washington Island demographics 

What is the total population of Washington Island?

Washington Island has a total population of 803 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 +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Washington Island?

The gender ratio in Washington Island is as follows:
  • 44.8% males (360 residents)
  • 55.2% females (443 residents)

What is the median age in Washington Island?

The median age in Washington Island is 64.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Washington Island?

The age distribution in Washington Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10% (80 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.6% (53 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.8% (143 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.2% (130 residents)
  • Over 65: 49.4% (397 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Washington Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Washington Island is as follows:
  • White: 91.9% (738 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (12 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (50 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (3 residents)

What percentage of the population in Washington Island are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Washington Island.

How many housing units are there in Washington Island?

There are 926 housing units in Washington Island, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Washington Island and what is the average household size?

Washington Island has a total of 422 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Washington Island?

Washington Island has a median household income of $70,000, representing a -4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Washington Island?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.9% (230 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.1% (58 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.1% (58 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.5% (157 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (33 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.9% (40 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