| ZIP Code | 54871 |
|---|---|
| City | Shell Lake |
| State | Wisconsin (WI) |
| County | Washburn County |
| Area Code | 715 |
| Elevation | 1,217 ft |
| Latitude | 45.749634 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -92.002023 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 55129 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 44.1 yrs ↓ 6% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.49 |
| Below Poverty | 8.1% ▼ 19% below avg |
| College Grads | 38.9% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 1.7% ▼ 66% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 16 (0.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 638 (29%) |
| Some College | 389 (17.7%) |
| Associates | 303 (13.8%) |
| Bachelors | 304 (13.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 552 (25.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $70,100 ▼ 8% below avg ↑ 57% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $215,100 ▼ 23% below avg ↑ 43% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $740/mo ↑ 5% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,914 |
| Vacant Units | 614 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.49 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,914 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 614 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.49 |
ZIP code 54871 is located in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, within Washburn County. With a population of 3,323, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 44.1 years. Economically, 54871 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $70,100 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 54871 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $215,100 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $740 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.8% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 43% since 2019.
The population of 54871 is primarily White (91.84%). Residents are moderately educated — 38.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.1%. Household income has grown by 57% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 54871 stands at 1.7%, which is well below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 54871 in Shell Lake, WI is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,323 residents, a median household income of $70,100, and a median home value of $215,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Wisconsin.