Wisconsin
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Is moving to Wisconsin right for you?

If you like cheese curd and frozen custard or you’d love to enjoy fresh meals from farm to table, moving to Wisconsin will be a great idea.

Wisconsin is home to 47 state parks, 84,000 river miles, 13 state forests, 15,000 lakes, and 76 state wildlife areas making it the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’d like to live in a state with a low property and violent crime rate below the national average, moving to Wisconsin is perfect for you.

Housing costs in Wisconsin are below the national average, commuting time is shorter than the national average and the state’s job market is vibrant.

If all of that sounds like what you’d like to be a part of, moving to Wisconsin is perfect for you.

This guide contains all the information you need about moving to Wisconsin in order to make the right decision.

Demographics

Wisconsin Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Wisconsin.

Male vs Female Population of Wisconsin 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Wisconsin 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Wisconsin 2021

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Quick facts to know before moving to Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin median home price is $188,100
  • The average hourly rate in Wisconsin is $32.00 an hour
  • In Wisconsin, the average one-way commute time is 22.0 minutes
  • Wisconsin’s cost of living is 90.9. U.S. average is 100
  • Wisconsin Income tax is 3.54% - 7.65%
  • Milwaukee is the largest state in Wisconsin

What’s the population of Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is home to 5.88 million people and is the 23rd most densely populated state in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the state’s population:

  • 50.27% of Wisconsin residents are female
  • Around 49.73% of Wisconsin residents are male
  • On every square mile of Wisconsin land, there’s an average of 105 people
  • Milwaukee is the largest state in Wisconsin with a population of 600,000

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How is the weather like in Wisconsin?

If the weather is on your checklist of things to consider before moving to Wisconsin, here’s a quick breakdown of the state’s weather:

  • Wisconsin summer high in July is around 81 degrees
  • Wisconsin winter low in January is around 7 degrees
  • Wisconsin averages 34 inches of rain a year
  • Wisconsin averages 48 inches of snow a year

How fast can you commute in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the average one-way commute time is 22.0 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. Shorter commuting time means less stress on the road and a longer lifespan. Shorter commuting time is one of the key perks of moving to Wisconsin:

  • Around 80.9% of Wisconsin residents drive their own car alone
  • Up to 8.1% of Wisconsin residents carpool with others
  • About 4.4% of Wisconsin residents work from home
  • Up to 1.9% of Wisconsin residents take mass transit
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Top 10 Reasons To Move Wisconsin

Moving to Wisconsin sounds so appealing for several key reasons. The state is known for so many remarkable and exciting things. Here are the top 10 reasons why people are moving to Wisconsin:

  • If you love beer, cheese, and brats, welcome to Wisconsin!

    Wisconsin is predominantly a dairy state and this contributes to the production of the best cheese in the country. In addition, the state also boasts of the best beer in the US. Milwaukee, the capital is also nicknamed as ‘Brew City’ for its rich brewing history. Some of the iconic beer brands are brewed in Wisconsin.

  • Affordable cost of living

    The average cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than the national average, which means everything ranging from housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and groceries are cheaper in the state.

  • Buying a home is cheaper compared to most states

    In Wisconsin, you have great chances of owning a home as the median home price is $188,100, much lower than the national average of $284,600. Even the home rent is lower than the neighboring states. The average rent of a studio apartment in Wisconsin is $588 while the average rent of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Wisconsin is $1,137.

  • You’ll enjoy sports in the state

    Wisconsin has a strong sports culture and the state is crazy about American football, basketball, and baseball. The professional teams in the state have won many league championships.

  • Lots of festivals go down in Wisconsin

    In Wisconsin, people need a reason to celebrate. And maybe that’s the reason for the unlimited festivals in the state. Music concerts by the lakeside, wine and harvest festivals by the farm, and summer festivals in pleasant weather—festivals are just as much a part of Wisconsin.

    We’ve got a list of the popular festivals in Wisconsin that reflect the real state culture.

    • Warrens Cranberry Festival
    • Harry Potter Festival
    • Morel Mushroom Festival
    • Brat fest
    • Wine and Harvest Fest
    • Applefest
    • Rock USA Music Festival
    • Patrick’s Day Parade
    • Summer Set Music and Camping Festival
    • Dane County Fair, Madison
  • Wisconsin is home to various breathtaking attractions

    From stunning sea caves to towering waterfalls, Wisconsin is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders. Beautiful coastlines, untouched landscapes, and historic settings – Wisconsin boast of the best scenic settings in the country.

    Here’s a list of the best natural attractions in Wisconsin

    • The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
    • Big Manitou Falls
    • Cave of the Mounds
    • Devil’s Lake State Park
    • Eagle River Chain of Lakes
    • Horicon Marsh
    • Wyalusing State Park
  • Top-quality schools

    Wisconsin ranks high in education at the national level. The state has some of the country’s top-notch schools and colleges.

  • There’s never a dull moment in Wisconsin

    Blessed with serene natural surroundings and amazing fun factors to engage in, Wisconsin never lets you get bored. Some of the amazing places to visit in Wisconsin include:

    • National Railroad Museum
    • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
    • Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
    • Harley-Davidson Museum
    • EAA AirVenture Museum
    • Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
    • Bookworm Gardens
    • The Historic Third Ward
    • Henry Vilas Zoo
    • Noah’s Ark Water Park
    • Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings
    • Minocqua Lake
    • The Wisconsin Great River Road
  • Summer is always remarkable and exciting

    In Wisconsin, summer is sweeter with every park turning into an art fair. The summer is hot and humid but the temperature hardly crosses 90°F. And this makes summer the great season to explore unlimited outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and rafting.

  • You’ll have more access to freshwater

    With 15,000 inland lakes, more than 33,000 miles of rivers and streams, two Great Lakes, and the Mississippi River, Wisconsin has more water than even Minnesota. And that makes fishing, boating, and swimming in fresh water a routine job in summer.

pros

Pros & Cons of Living in Wisconsin

Considering the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin will make it easier for you to decide if moving to the state is right for you or not. We’ve listed the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin to give you a head start:

Pros of living in Wisconsin
  • The cost of living in Wisconsin is below the national average
  • Affordable monthly rent
  • Lots of recreational activities
  • Enjoy all four seasons in Wisconsin
  • Wisconsin is home to lots of parks
  • You’ll enjoy lots of festivals in Wisconsin
  • Endless cheese, brewskis, and brats
Cons of living in Wisconsin
  • You’ll have to put up with some higher taxes
  • Extreme temperatures (summer and winter)
  • Moo smell in rural areas
  • Lack of diversity
  • Limited food options
  • Most of the state’s residents are overweight
  • You’ll have to put up with all sorts of burgs in Wisconsin
  • Some Wisconsin laws are weird and ridiculous
  • Low income

10 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to several beautiful cities. Moving to Wisconsin means getting the chance to live in any of these beautiful cities. Here are the top ten best places to live in Wisconsin to help you streamline your house hunting:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Fox Point 6,650 1.0% $325,700
2 Whitefish Bay 13,972 2.2% $387,000
3 Elm Grove 6,153 1.6% $370,500
4 Cedarburg 11,527 1.6% $303,500
5 Oregon 10,353 1.3% $256,500
6 Mount Horeb 7,449 1.3% $262,900
7 Hartland 9,268 1.0% $292,500
8 Middleton 19,487 2.5% $336,900
9 Mcfarland 8,650 3.1% $249,200
10 Waunakee 13,730 2.5% $346,300

Cost of living in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s cost of living is 90.9. The United States average is 100. That means the average cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than the United States average making it appealing to many millennials and young families.

Here’s a breakdown of some items that make up the cost of living in Wisconsin:

Cost of living Wisconsin United States
Overall 90.9 100
Grocery 94.7 100
Health 100.3 100
Housing 81.4 100
Median Home Cost $188,100 $231,200
Utilities 99 100
Transportation 86.9 100
Miscellaneous 99 100
The national average is 100.

Healthcare costs in Wisconsin

Similar to several other states, healthcare cost is rated among the top things to consider before moving to Wisconsin. To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s the average monthly cost of a Silver health plan in Wisconsin:

Family size Average monthly cost of health plan
Individual plus child $851
Couple, age 40 $1,065
Family of three (adult couple and a child) $1,384
Family of four (adult couple and two children) $1,703
Family of five (adult couple and three children) $2,022

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Education costs in Wisconsin

If education cost is one of the key things you’d like to be aware of before making up your mind to move to Wisconsin, we’ve collated key data about education costs in the state. Since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin, here’s the average cost of college education in the state:

Cost Undergraduate Graduate
In-State Out-of-State In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees $6,308 $11,681 $9,348 $18,833
Books & Supplies $1,216 $1,216
Room & Board $12,214 $12,214
COA $19,739 $25,111 $22,778 $32,263

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How is the housing market in Wisconsin?

Housing is a key factor to mull over before making up your mind about moving to Wisconsin. Home affordability is high in Wisconsin and the state has more homeowners than renters. However, renting or buying a home are both good options if you’re moving to Wisconsin.

Median home prices in Wisconsin

Wisconsin median home price is $188,100. The United States median home price is $284,600. Over the last ten years, homes in Wisconsin have appreciated by 17.2%. Currently, home values in Wisconsin have increased by 6.6%.

Average home rental prices in Wisconsin

Renting a home is a suitable housing option if you’re moving to Wisconsin. Renters in Wisconsin make up 28.1% of the state’s population. About 1.5% of homes and apartments in Wisconsin are available to rent. Here’s a breakdown of the average home rental cost in Wisconsin:

  • The average cost of a Studio apartment in Wisconsin is $588
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartments in Wisconsin is $681
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Wisconsin is $856
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Wisconsin is $1,137
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Wisconsin is $1,280

Median House Price in Wisconsin vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Wisconsin vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Wisconsin vs USA 2021

Wisconsin Job Market

If you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Wisconsin, we have key data about the state’s job market. Check out the data below about Wisconsin’s job market:

Employment Information Wisconsin United States
The income per Cap $30,557 $31,177
Household Income $56,759 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 3.40% 3.70%
Recent Job Growth 0.75% 1.59%
Future Job Growth 33.61% 33.51%

What’s the Average Salary & Income in Wisconsin?

If moving to Wisconsin means starting a new job, you’ll most likely be interested in the average salary and income in the state. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary and income in Wisconsin:

  • The average annual pay for the average job in Wisconsin is $66,569 a year
  • The average hourly rate in Wisconsin is $32.00 an hour
  • The average weekly rate in Wisconsin is $1,280 per week
  • The average monthly rate in Wisconsin is $5,547 per month

Largest employers in Wisconsin

Moving to Wisconsin means you’ll get the chance to work in some of the largest companies in the state. The largest companies in Wisconsin are also the top employers in the state. Here’s a list of the top ten largest companies in Wisconsin:

Rank Company City Employees
1 ACS Group New Berlin 210,345
2 Johnson Controls Milwaukee 121,000
3 Kohl’s Menomonee Falls 85,000
4 Tyco International Plc Glendale 69,000
5 Menards Eau Claire 40,000
6 Aurora Sinai Medical Center Milwaukee 33,000
7 Kohler Co. Kohler 32,000
8 ManpowerGroup Milwaukee 30,000
9 Fiserv Brookfield 23,000
10 Ashley Furniture Industries Arcadia 22,582

Hottest job market in Wisconsin

If you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Wisconsin, you’ll most likely be interested in the city’s job market. Moving to any of the cities with the hottest job markets in the state means your chances of getting a job is higher.

Rank Place Unemployment Rate Average Income
1 Mequon 2.18% $178,759
2 New Berlin 2.73% $103,991
3 Brookfield 2.84% $145,936
4 Menomonee Falls Village 2.5% $105,077
5 Waunakee Village 3.27% $121,280
6 Wauwatosa 2.64% $100,560
7 Sussex Village 2.07% $98,376
8 Pewaukee 2.25% $128,922
9 Germantown Village 2.85% $104,326
10 Harrison Village 0.5% $104,144

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What are the Top career options in Wisconsin?

If you’re interested in getting a new job after moving to Wisconsin, we’ve made a list of the top career options in the state. Check out the list below:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1 Obstetricians And Gynecologists $274,410 $177,430 220
2 Pediatricians, General $258,850 $175,350 450
3 General Internal Medicine Physicians $253,900 $177,720 510
4 Family Medicine Physicians $251,710 $138,600 1,200
5 Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $246,060 $113,650 8,280
6 Anesthesiologists $242,770 $45,660 410
7 Nurse Anesthetists $233,600 $171,750 760
8 Dentists, General $207,350 $111,970 1,730
9 Psychiatrists $202,240 $80,010 460
10 Orthodontists $186,850 $92,830 100

Major industries in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to several large industries. These include some of the largest industries in America. Moving to Wisconsin would open up several business and job opportunities across the state. We’ve listed the major industries in the state since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin:

  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Tourism
  • Education And Training
  • Machinery
  • Food processing
  • Paper products
  • Electric equipment
  • Fabricated metal products
  • Tourism

Number of Households by Income Level in Wisconsin

Median Income in Wisconsin vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Wisconsin vs USA

Wisconsin taxes

How much will you end up paying in taxes if you’re moving to Wisconsin? Depending on where you’re moving from, you may end up paying more or less by moving to Wisconsin.

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For example, Wisconsin has the eighth-highest average effective property tax rate in the county. Also, Winsocnins has a progressive state income tax. Here’s a breakdown of Wisconsin taxes:

  • Wisconsin Income tax is 3.54% - 7.65%
  • Sales tax in Wisconsin is 5% - 5.5%
  • Wisconsin Property tax: 1.68% average effective rate
  • The gas tax in Wisconsin is 30.90 cents per gallon of regular gasoline and diesel

Best Things to Do in Wisconsin

There’s never a dull moment in Wisconsin. There are lots of remarkable attractions and exciting activities to enjoy in the state. Since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin, here are the best things to do in the state:

  • Explore the Cave of the Mounds

    A natural limestone cave near Blue Mounds, the Cave of the Mounds is a National Natural Landmark and is promoted as the "jewel box" of major American caves. Open year-round, the cave will guide you past a stunning array of colorful crystal formations on paved lighted walkways.

  • Visit the Interstate State Park

    Interstate, Wisconsin’s oldest state park is on the Minnesota–Wisconsin border and comprises two adjacent state parks. The Wisconsin park is 1,330 acres and the Minnesota park is 298 acres. The park contains numerous wetland areas and encircles Lake O' the Dalles. Winter Recreation Trails are multi-use trails and are open to snowshoeing, hiking, pets, and cross country skiing.

  • See the Historic Cedarburg

    Washington Avenue Historic District or the historic center of Cedarburg is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is ranked as a favorite small-town getaway by visitors. Just a 20-minute drive away from Milwaukee, it provides the perfect setting for a day of antiquing and shopping.

  • Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol

    Situated in Madison, the Wisconsin State Capitol houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature along with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor. Apart from the historic legislative buildings, there are beautiful streets around with shops and restaurants.

  • Explore the Olbrich Botanical Gardens

    The 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison features stunning landscapes and Midwest-hardy plants. There is also a sunken garden with an eighty-foot reflecting pool and a perennial garden with a meandering stream. The year-round tropical Bolz Conservatory, a sunny 50-foot-high glass pyramid, houses ferns, palms, and flowering plants along with a waterfall, birds, and fish.

  • Tour the National Railroad Museum

    The National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon displays the collection of locomotives and rolling stock spanning more than a century of railroading. There is also an 80-foot (24 m) wooden observation tower with views of the Fox River and Green Bay.

  • Visit Apostle Islands

    A group of 22 islands in Lake Superior, 12 miles off the mainland coast, Apostle Islands has more lighthouses than any other site in the National Park System with 9 historic towers on 6 islands. More than 240 species of birds breed in and/or migrate through this archipelago. Clearwater, underwater rock formations and fascinating shipwrecks combine to provide outstanding scuba diving opportunities.

  • Tour the Milwaukee Art Museum

    The lakefront art museum has about 25,000 artworks on display. The 4-floor museum exhibits 15th- to 20th-century European and 17th- to 20th-century American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, decorative arts, photographs, and folk and self-taught art.

  • Enjoy the EAA AirVenture Show Oshkosh

    An annual air show, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is held each summer at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Almost 6000,000 people including 3,000 international visitors attend the show every year, in which approximately 10,000 aircraft, 2,979 show planes participate.

  • Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings

    Frank Lloyd Wright, the celebrated American architect has designed and built about 150 buildings in his home state Wisconsin, including his childhood home and about a dozen among them are open to the public. Some of the houses to explore in Wisconsin to appreciate the architectural beauty include:

    • Taliesin
    • Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center
    • Model B1
    • First Unitarian Society Meeting House
    • Monona Terrace
    • Seth Peterson Cottage
    • S.C. Johnson Administration Building
    • Wingspread
    • AD German Warehouse
  • Explore the Minocqua Lake

    The 1,300-acre Minocqua Lake with an average depth of 23 feet is a major attraction in Wisconsin. The lake and its surroundings are famous for fishing, biking, trailing, swimming, and water skiing.

  • See the Wisconsin Great River Road

    The 250-mile Wisconsin Great River Road from Prescott in the north to Kieler in the south offers myriad birdwatching and other outdoor opportunities while it passes through protected land. A drive through the road is the best way to catch up with the breathtaking scenery of Wisconsin. The ride also gives access to excellent hiking, fishing, and boating options.

How Safe is Wisconsin?

Similar to all other states, safety is always a key metric to mull over before moving to Wisconsin. We have collated key data about crime rates in the state to make it easier for you to make a fair comparison with other states.

  • Over the last three years, property and violent crime rates in Wisconsin have been on a decline
  • The violent crime rate in Wisconsin is 22% lower than the national average of 3.7 incidents per 1000 people
  • The property crime rate in Wisconsin is 30% lower than the U.S. average of 14.7 incidents per 1000
  • Aggravated assault is the most common crime in Wisconsin accounting for 68% of all crimes in the city
  • Among the safest cities in Wisconsin, robbery is the least common violent crime accounting for just 1%
  • The property crime rate in Wisconsin is 30% lower than the U.S. average of 21.1%
  • Burglaries are the least common crimes in Wisconsin accounting for 15% of all reported crimes
  • Larceny-theft is the most common property crime in Wisconsin accounting for 77% of all property crime in the state
  • 28% OF Wisconsin residents say their property security has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

10 Safest Cities in Wisconsin

If you’re interested in living in the safest cities after moving to Oregon, we have a list of the ten safest cities in Beaver State.

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per 100k Property Crimes Per 100k
1 Oconomowoc Town, WI 8,741 34 194
2 Waterford Town, WI 6,505 0 368
3 Muskego, WI 25,224 19 336
4 Grand Rapids, WI 7,405 40 297
5 Cottage Grove, WI 7,203 41 305
6 Hobart-Lawrence, WI 15,460 51 284
7 Geneva Town, WI 5,045 39 376
8 Waupun, WI 11,315 26 547
9 Mukwonago Town, WI 8,167 61 61
10 Cedarburg, WI 11,548 17 770

What are the best schools and universities in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is home to some of the best universities, colleges, elementary, middle, and high schools in the country.

Since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin, here’s a list of the best schools in the state:

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