The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 54871 sells for about $273,667, or $165 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.7% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 9 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $644 a month.
ZIP 54871 — Shell Lake
The housing market in the 54871 area remains stable, characterized by low inventory and steady demand for recreational and primary residential properties. Prices are supported by the area's appeal as a rural retreat, though market activity is limited by the small population size and seasonal nature of the local economy.
This ZIP is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with proximity to Northern Wisconsin's natural attractions.
Median prices moved up 4.7% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 9 days on market with 2.4 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
22% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 101.4% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 1.8% · poverty 8.3% — a stable, low-distress profile.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 54871, Douglas 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.
The area is served by the Solon Springs School District, which provides local public education for the community.
The region is characterized by a mix of forest and lake environments, necessitating standard wildfire and flood insurance considerations common to Northern Wisconsin.
Economic activity is primarily driven by tourism, forestry, and local services, 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 municipal levies.
Residents typically rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with travel times to regional employment hubs like Superior or Duluth often exceeding 30 minutes.
The area is rich in outdoor amenities, featuring numerous lakes for fishing and boating, access to regional trails, and proximity to the Brule River State Forest.
The rental market is limited, with a mix of long-term housing and seasonal vacation rentals driven by the area's recreational appeal.
The local economy is anchored by tourism, outdoor recreation, and small-scale service industries, with many residents commuting to the Superior-Duluth metro area.
Transportation is primarily highway-based, with US Highway 53 serving as the main corridor connecting the area to regional employment centers.
Development is largely focused on residential and recreational infrastructure with no major commercial projects currently reported.
The Douglas County Assessor's office manages property valuations based on market-based assessments.
Parcels are subject to local school district levies and county-wide property tax assessments.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional wildfire risk and the proximity to forested areas.
Wisconsin is a judicial foreclosure state, requiring court intervention for the foreclosure process.
Wisconsin law requires sellers to provide a Real Estate Condition Report disclosing known defects to potential buyers.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter profiles for Solon Springs town.
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 regional attraction known for the Brule River, offering canoeing, fishing, and hiking.
A central recreational hub for the community providing boating and swimming access.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.