Is Muskego Safe, Pros and cons of living in Muskego

Muskego, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for many. Nestled within Waukesha County, this city provides a community atmosphere with access to natural beauty, including three lakes within its borders: Big Muskego Lake, Little Muskego Lake, and Lake Denoon. Its proximity to the Milwaukee metropolitan area further enhances its desirability for those seeking both a peaceful home life and opportunities for employment and recreation.

The city’s origins are tied to the Potawatomi people, who originally inhabited the area and gave it the name “Mus-kee-Guaac,” meaning sunfish. Today, Muskego is recognized for its family-friendly environment, well-regarded schools, and a strong sense of community. This profile explores the various facets of living in Muskego, covering safety, cost of living, economic opportunities, climate, and demographics to provide a comprehensive overview for potential residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Muskego?

Muskego is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate in Muskego is 27.1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crime rates are exceptionally low, standing 96.7% below the national average, with only 12 violent crimes per 100,000 residents reported (as reported by AreaVibes). This low rate of violent crime contributes to Muskego’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).

While violent crime is minimal, property crime rates in Muskego are closer to the national average. Muskego recorded 389 property crimes, amounting to 1532 per 100,000 people, which is 13% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The most common crime type in Muskego is burglary, accounting for 53.3% of all reported offenses (as reported by PlainCrime). Despite this, the chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Muskego is approximately 1 in 65 (as reported by PlainCrime), which is still favorable compared to many other areas.

Cost of Living in Muskego

The cost of living in Muskego is slightly higher than the national average. Muskego’s overall cost of living is 15% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This is influenced by several key factors, including housing expenses, which are a significant component of the overall cost.

Housing costs in Muskego are notably higher than the national average. Housing expenses are 41% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median home price in Muskego was $417,400 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), and the median sale price was $460,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). For renters, the median rent for all bedroom types and property types in Muskego was $1,395 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow), though other sources indicate a median rent of $1,555 as of April 2026 (as reported by RentCafe).

Other essential costs in Muskego are more in line with or below national averages. Utility prices are 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are 1% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and transportation expenses are also 1% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs in Muskego are 1% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Muskego’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade being prominent sectors. The local economy employs approximately 13,926 people as of 2024, showing a slight growth rate of 0.592% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).

The average annual salary in Muskego is approximately $45,225 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $21.74 per hour. Most salaries in Muskego range between $33,500 and $54,500 annually, with top-paying jobs including engineering, government, and police chief positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Muskego was $112,221 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), which is significantly higher than the median individual income of $53,962 in the same year (as reported by Data Commons).

The unemployment rate in Muskego was 3.4% in February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). This rate is consistent with the state of Wisconsin’s unemployment rate, which was also 3.4% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in the area include companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, ALDI, and various manufacturing and logistics firms (as reported by Indeed.com and Lensa).

Climate in Muskego

Muskego experiences a continental climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy, and windy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 14°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below -5°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Weather Atlas). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment.

The warmest month in Muskego is July, with average high temperatures around 82°F and lows of 61°F (as reported by Weather Atlas). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 29°F and lows of 12°F (as reported by Payscale) or 15°F (as reported by Weather Atlas). Annual precipitation averages about 36 inches, with the wettest month being June (as reported by Weather Atlas).

Winter brings significant snowfall, with an average of 44 inches of snow annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences approximately 152 days, or about 5 months, with comfortable weather each year, generally between mid-May and September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Schools and Education

Muskego is served by the Muskego-Norway School District, which is recognized for its high-performing schools. Muskego High School, in particular, is highly regarded, ranking among the top 10% of public schools in Wisconsin (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger). The school boasts a 96% graduation rate (as reported by Niche) and strong proficiency rates in math and reading, often exceeding state averages (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger).

The district operates multiple schools, including elementary and middle schools, which also consistently outperform state averages. For instance, Lake Denoon Middle School and Muskego Lakes Middle School are ranked within the top 150 schools in their categories (as reported by SchoolDigger). The student-teacher ratio at Muskego High School is 17:1 (as reported by Niche).

Overall, the Muskego-Norway School District is rated 5 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger, indicating a strong commitment to academic excellence. The district’s performance suggests a well-resourced educational environment for students residing in Muskego.

Demographics of Muskego

As of 2024, Muskego has a population of approximately 25,406 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Muskego is 46.3 years (as reported by Data USA), indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average. The majority of residents identify as White (Non-Hispanic), making up about 90.6% of the population (as reported by Data USA).

The homeownership rate in Muskego is high, at 84.8% in 2024, which is significantly higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is 22.9 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA). The city has a homeownership rate of 84.8%, with a median property value of $417,400 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

In terms of diversity, 4.02% of Muskego residents were born outside the country as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The primary racial/ethnic groups are White (90.6%), followed by Hispanic (6%), and Two or More races (1.8%) (as reported by Data USA).