Is Waukesha Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waukesha
Waukesha, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility, making it an attractive place to consider for relocation. This city provides a balanced lifestyle with a strong sense of community, complemented by a range of amenities and opportunities. Understanding the various facets of life in Waukesha, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to this vibrant locale.
The following information aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Waukesha, covering key aspects that contribute to its overall appeal as a place to live and work. By examining data on crime, housing, employment, climate, schools, and demographics, potential residents can gain valuable insights into what life in Waukesha is truly like.
Is it Safe to Live in Waukesha?
Waukesha generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. In the most recent reports, Waukesha’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average by 53.4% (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, the city recorded 80 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals, which is lower than the national average by 68.3% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates also indicate a favorable safety profile, with 614 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 50.3% (as reported by AreaVibes). While violent crime saw an increase of 8.1% year-over-year, property crime decreased by 2.7% in the same period (as reported by AreaVibes). These statistics suggest that while vigilance is always recommended, Waukesha is a community where residents can feel secure.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The housing market in Waukesha is competitive, with median home prices reflecting a dynamic real estate landscape. Last month, the median sale price of a home in Waukesha was $355,000, showing a 6.3% increase since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $214, up by 3.4% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).
For those considering renting, the average rent in Waukesha is approximately $1,529 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure encompasses a range of rental properties, with houses typically renting between $650 and $6,825. The cost of living in Waukesha is slightly higher than the national average, by 0.6% (as reported by Apartments.com).
Housing Costs
Housing expenses in Waukesha are generally higher than the national average, by approximately 7.6% (as reported by Apartments.com). This can be seen in the median home price, which stands at $355,000 (as reported by Redfin). Rental costs also reflect this trend, with the average rent for an apartment being around $1,272 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Specific rental prices vary by unit size, with studios averaging $1,137, one-bedroom apartments at $1,272, and two-bedroom apartments around $1,558 per month. Three-bedroom rentals can be expected to cost $2,090 or more (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures indicate that while Waukesha’s housing market is robust, it offers a range of options for different budgets.
Overall Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Waukesha is marginally higher than the national average, at 0.6% (as reported by Apartments.com). This slight increase is influenced by various expense categories, with housing being a significant factor. Utilities, however, tend to be less expensive, with costs being 7.2% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Transportation costs are also slightly higher than the national average by 0.8%, while grocery prices are 0.5% more expensive (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures suggest that while some daily expenses are a bit higher, the overall cost of living remains relatively balanced, especially when considering the lower utility costs.
Job Market and Economy
Waukesha boasts a diverse job market with a variety of industries contributing to its economic vitality. Major private employers in the city span sectors such as manufacturing, information/utilities, and business services (as reported by Downtown Waukesha). Notable companies include Carroll University, GE Healthcare, Generac Power Systems, and Prohealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital.
The unemployment rate in Waukesha County was 2.6% as of April 2024 (as reported by Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission). This relatively low unemployment rate indicates a strong job market with ample opportunities for residents. The Milwaukee-Waukesha metropolitan area’s average hourly wage was $31.18 in May 2024, which is slightly below the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Major Employers
Several key employers significantly contribute to Waukesha’s employment landscape. These include educational institutions like Carroll University and UW-Waukesha, as well as healthcare providers such as Prohealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital (as reported by Downtown Waukesha). Manufacturing and technology firms like Eaton/Cooper Power Systems, GE Healthcare, and Generac Power Systems are also major employers in the area (as reported by Downtown Waukesha).
Other significant companies include HUSCO International and Metal Tek International Inc. The presence of these diverse employers provides a wide range of job opportunities across various skill levels and industries. Safway Group Holding LLC is also listed among the largest companies to work for in Waukesha (as reported by Zippia).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Waukesha County has remained low, reflecting a healthy economy. As of April 2024, the unemployment rate for Waukesha County was 2.6% (as reported by Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission). This figure is consistent with recent data, indicating a stable job market where employment opportunities are generally abundant.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides unemployment data for the Milwaukee-Waukesha metropolitan area, which can offer broader economic context. The low unemployment rate suggests that individuals seeking employment in Waukesha are likely to find opportunities.
Climate and Weather
Waukesha experiences distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 15°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely falling below -4°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by NOAA). The warm season spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures reaching above 71°F.
The hottest month is July, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 62°F. Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 39°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 15°F and highs of 28°F (as reported by NOAA). The city experiences a good amount of precipitation, with June being the wettest month, averaging 10.8 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
Education and Schools
The School District of Waukesha serves the city’s educational needs, offering a variety of programs and opportunities for students. The district is recognized for its diversity and is ranked among the best school districts in Wisconsin (as reported by Niche). It provides innovative educational options, including dual-language programs and STEM initiatives.
Waukesha also hosts higher education institutions, such as Carroll University and UW-Waukesha, providing post-secondary educational pathways for residents. Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is also nearby, offering associate degrees and technical diplomas. The School District of Waukesha received an overall grade of A- from Niche, indicating a strong educational environment.
School Ratings
The School District of Waukesha is highly regarded, earning a strong overall rating of A- from Niche. It is ranked among the top school districts in Wisconsin for diversity and has received accolades for its teachers and overall educational quality (as reported by Niche). Within Waukesha County, the School District of Waukesha is ranked as the most diverse and one of the best in the county (as reported by Niche).
Individual schools also receive positive ratings. For instance, Meadowbrook Elementary School and Rose Glen Elementary School both have a perfect 5 out of 5 rating from Niche. West High School and South High School also hold solid ratings, with West High School receiving an A- and South High School a B- (as reported by Niche).
Demographics
Waukesha has a population of approximately 71,622 residents, with a slight annual growth rate (as reported by World Population Review). The city is becoming less racially diverse since the 2020 Census. The racial composition is predominantly White, making up 78.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 12.3% (as reported by US Census Bureau).
Other demographic groups include Multiracial at 3.6%, Black at 2.6%, and Asian at 2.6%. The median age in Waukesha is 36.7 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males. The median household income is $83,837, with a poverty rate of 9.83% (as reported by World Population Review).
Population and Diversity
The population of Waukesha is approximately 71,622, experiencing modest growth (as reported by World Population Review). The city’s demographic makeup is primarily White (78.2%), with a significant Hispanic population (12.3%) (as reported by US Census Bureau). This represents a shift towards less racial diversity compared to the 2020 Census data.
The share of White residents has increased since the 2020 Census, while the Black population has seen a decline. Waukesha’s diversity index is comparable to that of Wisconsin as a whole. The population is also relatively young, with a median age of 36.7 years (as reported by World Population Review).
Income and Household Statistics
The median household income in Waukesha is $83,837, indicating a comfortable economic standing for many residents (as reported by World Population Review). The poverty rate in the city is 9.83%, which is relatively low. For families, the median income is higher, reflecting the economic contributions of multiple earners.
For renters, the cost of living is 0% lower than the national average, with estimated monthly expenses around $4,766. For homeowners, the cost of living is 1.2% higher than the national average, with estimated monthly expenses around $8,542. These figures provide a snapshot of the financial landscape for different household types in Waukesha.