Rib Lake Invites New Businesses to Succeed

The Village of Rib Lake has a growing and vibrant tourist economy, complementing long-standing businesses such as the Great Northern Cabinetry, Rib Lake Health Services, Wisco Stone and the True Value Hardware Store which have been serving our community for generations. Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center is also located just outside of the Village limits serving as the largest employer in the community. They alone draw in thousands of visitors each year.  Rib Lake has abundant natural resources including the Ice Age Trail, many forests, and numerous lakes. We also have a strong service economy including a selection of restaurants, lodging, and camping. Yet, there are still many unmet needs in our service industry.

These services are in high demand in the area. They have a proven track record of success in Rib Lake. However, many of the previous owners have since retired. The void is deeply felt in the community.

  • Grocery Store

  • Health Clinics including Family Doctor or RN

  • Dentist

  • Daycare

  • Electrician

  • Barber Shop

  • Wood Product Manufacturer

  • Furniture Manufacturer

  • Saw Mill

  • IT and computer services

  • Housing Developer

  • House Painters

Underserved Businesses

  • Dry Wallers

  • Surveyors 

  • Acupuncturist

  • Cleaning Services

  • Delivery Services from nearby towns

  • Chiropractor

  • Small Engine Repair

  • Accountant or Bookkeepers

  • Pet Grooming & Boarding

  • VRBO rentals

  • Veterinary Office

  • Tutoring Business

  • Art & Music Lessons

Other Small Business Ideas

  • Freelancers

  • Virtual Assistants

  • Writers

  • Youtubers

  • Podcasters

  • Art Studios

  • Furniture Restoration

  • Outdoor Tour Guides

  • Tiny Home Builders

  • Law Firms

  • Yoga Instructor

  • Shipping Facility

Natural Resources Can Drive Your Business Success

By partnering with other successful businesses in your industry, you can access top-quality resources to fuel your operations. If your business relies on timber products from logging communities, then Rib Lake is a great place to realize your business dream! Our timber industry is the foundation of Rib Lake’s roots and still a strong local industry. It is a reliable and renewable resource. The Northern and Central Wisconsin area has large mixed hardwood forests managed on both public and private lands.

Imagine having access to quality saw logs, perfect for crafting high-end furniture, flooring, construction projects and more. Plus, trees grown for paper product production, wood fiber engineering and maple syrup production. Rib Lake’s forest land could help you grow your business feature wood products.

Another value natural resource in the area is our bedrock deposited during the last Ice Age. This resource ensure a steady supply of construction materials from state-of-the-art gravel pits. Sand, gravel and crushed stone are quarried to produce construction materials. These products are used for road construction, concrete, asphalt, landscaping stone and other products. They create building blocks for our homes, businesses, roads, and bridges.

Our abundant Outdoor Recreation areas allow for ample business opportunities. From vacation rentals to guides to retreats to events Rib Lake can be the perfect area to attract outdoor recreation customers.

Agriculture is active in the Rib Lake area. Family-owned farms raise: dairy, cattle, meat animals, poultry, mink, Christmas trees, nursery products, crops and timber. Rib Lake residents benefit not only from their products but also the recreational activities farmers allow across their lands. Agriculture generates thousands of jobs and millions of dollars for Taylor County’s economy.

Community Profile

General Overview

  • Median Family Income: $42,816

  • Village Population: 920 (2022 DOA Estimate)

  • Greater Rib Lake Area Population: 3,250 (Townships in Rib Lake School District)

  • Village Population by Density: 518 resident per square mile

  • Greater Rib Lake Area Population by Density: 14 resident per square mile

  • Median age: 46 years old

  • Property Tax Rate: $19.32 per 1,000 assessed

  • Form of Government: Board

Village Race & Demographics Profile

  • Caucasian alone: 88%

  • Asian alone: 2%

  • Hispanic alone: 7%

  • Two or more races: 2%

  • Native America alone: <1%

  • Black alone: <1%

  • Other: 1%

Location & Climate

  • Coordinates: Latitude: 45° 18″ 52′ N. Longitude: 90° 11″ 53′ W

  • Location:  50 miles northwest of Wausau, 150 miles northwest of Green Bay, 240 miles north of Madison, and 180 miles northeast of Minneapolis/St Paul.

  • Village size: 2.21 Square Miles

  • Greater Rib Lake Area size: 282 Square Miles

  • Average rainfall:  32.4"

  • Average snowfall: 53.2"

Education

  • Population with no high school diploma: 12%

  • Population with only high school diploma: 42%

  • Population with some college: 25%

  • Population with bachelor’s degree: 12%

  • Population with post grad degree: 9%

  • Population high school graduate or higher: 88%

Employment

  • Common Industries in Taylor County: Manufacturing, retail trade, food services, health care, social assistance, insurance, agriculture and education services. Because of Rib Lake’s proximity to the City of Medford, many Rib Lake residents commute to Medford for employment. Some of Medford’s largest employers include: Nestle Prepared Foods company (600 employees), Weather Shield Windows and Doors (1900 employees), Sierra Pacific Windows (400 employees) and Marathon Cheese Corporation (300 employees).

  • Unemployment rate: 3.7%

  • Village Below poverty level: 14.7%

  • Greater Rib Lake Area Below poverty level: 8.9%

  • Veterans Populations: 8.8%