The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 54891 sells for about $271,818, or $181 per square foot.
Prices are up +1.7% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 68 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $825 a month.
ZIP 54891 — Washburn
The housing market in 54891 remains stable with modest price appreciation driven by limited inventory and steady demand for scenic, rural-adjacent properties. While sales volume is low, the market is supported by a consistent interest in the Lake Superior region, keeping prices resilient despite broader economic headwinds.
This ZIP is ideal for nature enthusiasts, retirees, and families seeking a quiet, scenic lifestyle near Lake Superior, though it requires a car for most daily needs.
Median prices moved up 1.7% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 68 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.2% · poverty 6.3% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 54891, Bayfield County WI
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in the Washburn area are generally low, consistent with rural northern Wisconsin trends and significantly below national urban averages.
The area is served by the Washburn School District, which maintains a solid reputation for small class sizes and community-focused educational programming.
The region faces standard northern climate risks including heavy winter snowfall and potential wind damage, with localized flood risks near the Lake Superior shoreline.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, local government, and small-scale service industries, with limited large-scale industrial development.
Property taxes are assessed at the municipal and county levels in Wisconsin, with rates determined by local school district and county budget requirements.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling to nearby Ashland or Bayfield for employment and essential services.
The area offers extensive access to Lake Superior, including public beaches, marinas, and proximity to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, alongside numerous local hiking trails.
The rental market is tight with limited inventory, often influenced by seasonal demand and a small supply of long-term housing units.
The local economy is anchored by tourism, education, and local government services, with a strong reliance on the seasonal recreation industry.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use along Highway 13, which serves as the primary corridor connecting the area to regional hubs.
Development is largely focused on small-scale residential infill and maintenance of existing public infrastructure.
The Bayfield County assessor manages property valuations based on annual market analysis and state-mandated assessment cycles.
Parcels are subject to Washburn School District levies and Bayfield County tax assessments.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather risks, including winter storm exposure and proximity to the lake.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Provides extensive recreational access and scenic views.
Central community park with walking paths and beach access.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.