Is Stevens Point Safe, Pros and cons of living in Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-city charm and access to amenities, making it an attractive place for many. This city in Portage County provides a unique living experience, balancing natural beauty with community engagement. As you consider a move to Stevens Point, understanding its safety, cost of living, and overall lifestyle is essential.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Stevens Point, covering key aspects that influence the decision to relocate. From the safety of its neighborhoods to the job market and educational opportunities, we delve into the details to help you make an informed choice about calling Stevens Point home.
Is it Safe to Live in Stevens Point?
Stevens Point generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Stevens Point is significantly lower than the national average, with property crime rates also falling below national figures (as reported by AreaVibes). This indicates a community where residents can feel secure in their daily lives.
While violent crime rates are lower than the national average, specific neighborhoods can have varying crime rates. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Stevens Point is approximately 1 in 128, and the city is considered safer than 61% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes). The northeast part of the city is generally considered the safest area (as reported by Niche).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crime rates in Stevens Point are notably lower than the national average. There were 42 reported violent crimes, translating to 163 per 100,000 individuals, which is 54.6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This trend is supported by FBI data, showing an average violent crime rate of 73.8 per 100k residents, which is 30.5% below the national average over a five-year period (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Stevens Point is 1 in 563 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This statistic highlights a lower risk compared to many other communities across the nation. The city’s law enforcement efforts contribute to maintaining these lower rates.
Property Crime Overview
Property crime rates in Stevens Point also show a favorable comparison to national statistics. The rate of property crime is 621 per 100,000 residents, which is 64.7% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Over a five-year period, property crime averaged 35.0 per 100k residents, which is 78.6% below the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
The overall crime rate in Stevens Point is 63% lower than the national average, with property crime being the most common type of offense. This indicates a generally secure environment for residents and their belongings.
Pros and Cons of Living in Stevens Point
Stevens Point offers a desirable cost of living and a strong sense of community, which are significant advantages for potential residents. The city’s overall affordability makes it an appealing option for those looking to balance their budget with quality of life.
However, like any city, Stevens Point has its drawbacks, including potentially lower school ratings compared to state averages and a climate with harsh winters. Understanding these factors is crucial for a balanced perspective on relocating to Stevens Point.
Affordability and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Stevens Point is notably lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to housing, which is 19% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The median home price in Stevens Point is approximately $195,001 (as reported by Livability.com). Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $917 (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures contribute to Stevens Point being considered an affordable place to live, with living costs 11% less than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Stevens Point’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries. The most common employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The city has seen employment growth, with a rate of 0.647% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Stevens Point was 4.30% as of the latest reports (as reported by YCharts). The median household income in Stevens Point is approximately $58,031 (as reported by World Population Review). The average salary in Stevens Point is reported to be around $50,041 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Stevens Point experiences a climate with four distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature ranges from a low of 9°F in January to a high of 81°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 70°F.
The city receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 33 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Winters can be harsh, with average daily high temperatures below 36°F from late November to early March (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual snowfall is around 45 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Education and Schools
The Stevens Point area public schools have an average testing ranking of 5/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Wisconsin public schools (as reported by Niche). However, the Stevens Point Area Public School District has a graduation rate of 93%, which has remained relatively stable over five school years (as reported by Niche). The district as a whole “Meets Expectations” in its overall score (as reported by the Stevens Point Area Public School District).
Some schools within the district are categorized as “Exceeding Expectations,” and attendance and graduation rates are often above state averages (as reported by the Stevens Point Area Public School District). Top-ranked public schools include Bannach Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, and Madison Elementary School (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community
Stevens Point is home to a population of approximately 25,800 residents (as reported by Data USA). The city has a median age of 28.4 years (as reported by World Population Review). The racial makeup is predominantly White, at 86.7%, followed by Hispanic and individuals of two or more races (as reported by World Population Review).
The community is characterized by a younger median age, suggesting a potentially vibrant and active atmosphere. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 49.8% male and 50.2% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers and Job Opportunities
Stevens Point’s economy is bolstered by several key employers across various sectors. Major industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade, providing a diverse employment landscape for residents (as reported by Data USA).
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a significant institution in the area, contributing to the local economy and educational opportunities. Other key employment sectors include office and administrative support, management, and production occupations (as reported by Data USA). The presence of these diverse employers offers a range of career paths within the city.
Climate Details for Stevens Point
Stevens Point experiences a continental climate with significant seasonal variations. Summers are warm and can be wet, while winters are cold, often bringing substantial snowfall and windy conditions (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The temperature typically fluctuates between 9°F and 82°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside this range (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city’s weather is characterized by a warm season from late May to mid-September, with average daily highs exceeding 70°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with average daily highs below 36°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This distinct seasonal pattern influences outdoor activities and lifestyle choices throughout the year.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
The hottest month in Stevens Point is July, with average high temperatures around 81°F and lows of 60°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest month, with average highs of 25°F and lows of 9°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual rainfall of about 33 inches (as reported by Livability.com), with June typically being the wettest month, receiving around 3.9 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city experiences a significant amount of snowfall during winter months, with December often seeing around 5.5 inches of snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This climate profile means residents can expect a full range of seasonal weather conditions.
Demographics of Stevens Point
Stevens Point is home to a population of approximately 25,785 residents, making it a moderately sized city within Wisconsin (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Stevens Point is 28.4 years, indicating a relatively young population (as reported by World Population Review).
The racial composition of Stevens Point is largely White, accounting for 86.7% of the population. Hispanic and individuals identifying with two or more races make up the next largest demographic groups (as reported by World Population Review). This demographic profile shapes the community’s cultural landscape and social dynamics.
Age and Gender Distribution
The age distribution in Stevens Point shows that 12.1% of the population are children under 15, and a significant 33.5% fall within the 15 to 24 age group (as reported by Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 44 constitute 25% of the population, with 15.9% aged 45 to 64, and 13.5% being 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.8% males and 50.2% females (as reported by Point2Homes). This nearly equal split suggests a community with a balanced social structure.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
In Stevens Point, the White population comprises the largest segment, at 86.7% (as reported by World Population Review). Hispanic residents represent 4.5% of the population, followed by those of two or more races at 4.2% (as reported by World Population Review). Asian residents make up 3.04% of the population (as reported by World Population Review).
The majority of Stevens Point residents are U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic makeup contributes to the city’s cultural identity.
Housing Market: Prices and Rent
The housing market in Stevens Point presents a mix of affordability and steady demand. The median listing home price is around $267,500 (as reported by Realtor.com®). However, other sources indicate a median home value of $195,001 (as reported by Livability.com) and a median home price of $189,700 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
The rental market offers various options, with average rents for a studio apartment around $642, a one-bedroom at $917, and a two-bedroom at $1,047 (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures suggest that Stevens Point is a relatively affordable market for both homebuyers and renters compared to national averages.
Median Home Prices
Recent data indicates that the median sale price of a home in Stevens Point was $270,000 in March 2026, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 38.2% (as reported by Redfin). The average home value in Stevens Point was $280,949 as of March 31, 2026, up 9.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).
These figures suggest a growing housing market, which could be beneficial for homeowners. The median days on market for homes has also decreased, indicating a relatively competitive market (as reported by Redfin).
Average Rent Trends
As of May 2026, the average rent in Stevens Point, WI, is $917 per month, which is 44% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Apartment rents have seen an increase of 1.6% over the past year (as reported by Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $916 per month, while a two-bedroom averages about $1,041 (as reported by Apartments.com).
Houses for rent in Stevens Point are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $1,547 (as reported by Zumper). These rental prices indicate that Stevens Point offers more affordable options compared to many other cities in the U.S.