| City: | La Pointe, Wisconsin |
| County: | Ashland County |
| Timezone: | Central (GMT -06:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:33:27 AM |
| Population: | 428 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 534 / 715 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 46.8134, -90.6802 |
| Land Area: | 77.754 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
La Pointe sits on Madeline Island, the largest of Wisconsin's Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. This isn't a typical PO Box ZIP code. It's an island community where 73% of homes (618 of 848 housing units) sit empty most of the year, waiting for their owners to return.
The La Pointe post office maintains 428 PO Boxes for 199 year-round households. That's 2.15 boxes per household. Some year-round residents use boxes, but most boxes belong to seasonal owners who need mail access when they visit. This is a PO Box Only Zone, so there's no alternative delivery method across the island's 51 square miles.
The island's 428 permanent residents skew older, with a median age of 56.6 years. Among year-round households, 84% own their homes. Median home values of $272,100 and bachelor's degree attainment of 47% suggest a professional, retirement-oriented population. But summer changes everything. The seasonal population swells dramatically when vacation homes fill up.
Rural carrier route R001 covers the island's roads. Big Bay Rd has the most delivery points (27 records), followed by N Shore Rd (21 records) and Middle Rd (15 records). Street names like Old Fort Rd, Voyageur Ln, and Chief Buffalo Ln reference the island's history as a fur trade center and Ojibwe homeland. Lake Superior dictates the rhythm of island life. Ferry service connects Madeline Island to Bayfield on the mainland, making the post office a crucial link for receiving mail and packages year-round.
Street names like Big Bay Rd and N Shore Rd follow the island's Lake Superior coastline, while historic names like Old Fort Rd, Voyageur Ln, and Chief Buffalo Ln reference the island's fur trading past and Ojibwe heritage.
ZIP Code 54850 has 428 residents and 199 households (average 2.12 persons per household). The median age is 56.6 years, significantly older than the state (40.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.3% male and 47.7% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.1%, much higher than the state average of 80.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (3.5%, much lower than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.6%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 428Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 321Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 5.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $71,250Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 199Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $278,600Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.12Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.51Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 283 | 251 | 180 | 227 | 185 | 175 | 162 | 202 | 237 | 239 | 300 | 323 | 341 | 321 |
| Decennial Census | 261 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 428 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 56.6
Male Median Age: 59
Female Median Age: 55.5
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 5 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 20 | 5 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 20 | 41 | 19 | 11 | 11 | 1 |
| Female | 7 | 5 | 13 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 18 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 23 | 35 | 16 | 5 | 9 | 2 |
| Total | 12 | 12 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 11 | 15 | 38 | 17 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 43 | 76 | 35 | 16 | 20 | 3 |
| White: | 377 | 92.40% |
| Black: | 15 | 3.68% |
| Hispanic:* | 7 | 1.72% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 6 | 1.47% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 3 | 0.74% |
| Total: | 408 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 224 | 52.34% | 59.0 years |
| Females: | 204 | 47.66% | 55.5 years |
| Total: | 428 | 100% | 56.6 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 296 | 92.21% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 4 | 1.25% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 21 | 6.54% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 6.54% |
| Total Population: | 321 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 300 | 93.46% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 21 | 6.54% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $71,250, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $20,385 (40.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,667. Family households earn a median of $100,833 versus $43,333 for nonfamily households (a difference of $57,500). By gender, male median income is $47,917 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $47,917 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 54.3%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (38.6%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $50,865 | $44,500 | $44,500 | $43,000 | $43,409 | $48,295 | $49,773 | $56,667 | $64,583 | $60,938 | $64,063 | $76,250 | $69,875 | $71,250 |
| Median Family Income | $76,500 | $60,417 | $78,375 | $78,125 | $51,250 | $65,250 | $53,438 | $64,583 | $65,938 | $65,469 | $70,000 | $97,727 | $99,250 | $100,833 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $43,393 | $32,321 | $30,139 | $31,250 | $31,944 | $35,625 | $47,750 | $47,000 | $52,500 | $51,250 | $43,750 | $46,563 | $45,625 | $43,333 |
| Median Male Income | $51,250 | $37,031 | $35,417 | $35,781 | $38,750 | $47,708 | $47,708 | $47,917 | $45,417 | $42,143 | $44,531 | $52,500 | $44,904 | $47,917 |
| Median Female Income | $50,455 | $41,042 | $41,458 | $40,568 | $40,625 | $41,500 | $43,750 | $43,750 | $50,417 | $42,083 | $0 | $56,071 | $53,750 | $0 |
| Employed: | 158 | 54.30% |
| Unemployed: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 133 | 45.70% |
| Total: | 291 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 61 | 38.61% |
| Service: | 15 | 9.49% |
| Sales and Office: | 35 | 22.15% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 36 | 22.78% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 11 | 6.96% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 158 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $278,600, which is well under the national median ($332,700), is up $36,600 (15.12%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $53,600. The median gross rent is $555, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $112. Of occupied housing, owners make up 89.89% (53.13% with a mortgage, 46.88% free-and-clear) and renters 10.11% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 79.37%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $242,000 | $217,600 | $187,500 | $171,900 | $200,000 | $195,800 | $204,500 | $211,400 | $225,000 | $235,500 | $228,100 | $262,900 | $272,100 | $278,600 |
| Less than $500: | 7 | 38.89% |
| $500 to $999: | 8 | 44.44% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 3 | 16.67% |
| Total: | 18 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,042 | $667 | $625 | $592 | $600 | $713 | $555 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 85 | 47.75% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 75 | 42.13% |
| Renter Occupied: | 18 | 10.11% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 178 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 178 | 20.63% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 685 | 79.37% |
| Total Housing Units: | 863 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 770 | 89.22% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 67 | 7.76% |
| Other Units: | 26 | 3.01% |
| Total Housing Units: | 863 | 100% |
In 2024, 51.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 98.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 6.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Public coverage is 52.60%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 3.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), down 7.30 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.80 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (53.85%). College enrollment is 19.23%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 5 | 1.74% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 69 | 24.04% |
| Some college, no degree: | 50 | 17.42% |
| Associate's degree: | 14 | 4.88% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 48 | 16.72% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 101 | 35.19% |
| Total: | 287 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 282 | 98.26% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 149 | 51.92% |
| Private Insurance: | 226 | 54.33% |
| Public Insurance: | 169 | 40.63% |
| No Insurance: | 21 | 5.05% |
| Total: | 416 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 395 | 94.95% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 12.2% | 14.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.1% | 4.8% | 3.3% | 1.9% | 4.9% | 3.1% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 14 | 53.85% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 7 | 26.92% |
| College or graduate school: | 5 | 19.23% |
| Total: | 26 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 21 | 80.77% |
ZIP Code 54850 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 31 business establishments, employing about 114 people with an annual payroll of $7,092,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 463Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 31Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $1,066,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $7,092,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 114Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 54850 is located in Ashland County, Wisconsin, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 54850. It covers 77.754 sq mi of land and a water area of 2.536 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Number: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 0Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 77.754 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 2.536 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 07Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 23037.26 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 54850 is in the Bayfield School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.