Ladysmith is situated on the Klip River, the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, about 26 km south of Van Reenen's Pass. Floods have plagued Ladysmith for many years, and the city suffered from frequent minor flooding until the Qedusizi Dam was built in 1997. Even today, minor flooding still happens in Ladysmith, but the city is home to a large number of religious institutions.
The population of Ladysmith is composed of approximately 2,389 people of voting age. Its median household size is 2.35 persons. The city has a lower than average percentage of renters than the rest of Wisconsin. Compared to the rest of Wisconsin, the rent burden is 28.9% lower in Ladysmith. However, it is lower than the rate in other neighboring cities. While Ladysmith is home to a diverse population, the majority of the population is white. Only 2.5% of residents are from other races, and one percent are from visible minorities.
Despite its cosmopolitan population, the town is not completely free of problems. Several boats have been abandoned in Ladysmith Harbour. One such boat, the Viki Lyne II, was subjected to a Marine Survey by the Coast Guard, and a recent marine survey found toxic materials in the water. Last fall, 20,000 of these materials were removed, but 13,000 litres remain. The boat is sinking, and its crew has been arrested several times.