The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 54810 sells for about $349,900, or $198 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 82 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,003 a month.
ZIP 54810 — Balsam Lake
The housing market in 54810 remains stable, characterized by low inventory and steady demand for lakefront and rural properties. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, though the market is cooling slightly due to seasonal factors and broader economic conditions. Buyers are increasingly selective, leading to a moderate increase in days on market compared to previous years.
This ZIP is ideal for retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and families seeking a quiet, lake-focused lifestyle, though it is less suited for those requiring proximity to major urban employment centers.
Median prices moved up 4.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 82 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 4.6% · poverty 7.3% — 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 7.3%/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 6.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 54810, Polk 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 Balsam Lake area are generally low, consistent with rural Wisconsin trends and significantly below national averages.
The area is served by the Unity School District, which maintains a stable reputation for small-town educational outcomes.
The region faces standard seasonal risks including heavy winter snow and occasional severe summer storms, with flood risk primarily concentrated near the lakefront.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, seasonal recreation, and local service industries, with limited large-scale industrial development.
Property taxes are assessed at the municipal and county levels in Wisconsin, with the effective rate reflecting local school district and county levies.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents often traveling to the Twin Cities metro area or nearby regional hubs for employment.
The area is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, featuring extensive access to Balsam Lake, numerous boat launches, public parks, and local trail systems.
The rental market is tight due to limited inventory and high demand for seasonal/short-term vacation rentals during summer months.
The local economy is anchored by tourism, agriculture, and small-scale retail, with many residents commuting to larger regional employment centers.
Public transit is not available; the area relies entirely on private vehicle transportation via state highways.
Development is strictly managed by local zoning to preserve the rural and lakefront character of the community.
The Polk County Assessor manages property valuations based on annual market analysis and state-mandated assessment cycles.
Parcels are subject to Unity School District levies and local municipal taxes for road maintenance and emergency services.
Property insurance premiums are stable but reflect regional risks associated with severe weather and proximity to water bodies.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov 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.
A major recreational anchor offering boating, fishing, and swimming.
Popular local swimming and picnic area.
Hosts annual community events and the county fair.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.