Is Brookfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Brookfield
Brookfield, Wisconsin, offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community, appealing to families and professionals alike. This city provides a balance of tranquil living and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive place to call home. Its well-regarded school system and stable economy contribute to its desirability.
The city is situated in Waukesha County, approximately 10 miles west of Milwaukee, providing residents with the benefits of a peaceful environment while remaining close to the cultural and economic opportunities of a larger metropolitan area. Brookfield’s strategic location along Interstate 94 further enhances its accessibility.
Is it Safe to Live in Brookfield?
Brookfield is considered a safe community with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The city’s overall crime rate is approximately 44% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are particularly low, standing at 77% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
This strong safety record is supported by the presence of the Brookfield Police Department, which serves the city. Residents generally feel secure, with a significant percentage reporting feeling safe in their neighborhoods. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Brookfield is about 1 in 85 (as reported by AreaVibes).
Demographics and Community
Brookfield is home to approximately 41,273 residents, with a median age of 43.8 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The population is diverse, with a significant portion being White (approximately 77.5% to 78.6%), followed by Asian residents (around 11.17% to 11.2%) (as reported by Brookfield Demographics and Point2Homes).
The community is characterized by a stable population, with a slight annual decline noted in recent projections (as reported by Brookfield, WI Population 2026). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with a slightly higher percentage of females (50.5%) (as reported by Point2Homes).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Brookfield is higher than the national average, with an index of 121, meaning it is 21% more expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this, being 57% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale and AreaVibes).
The median home price in Brookfield is around $480,000, showing a year-over-year increase of 5.2% (as reported by Prop:Metrics). For renters, the median rent is approximately $2,067 per month, which is 6% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
Brookfield boasts a robust local economy driven by sectors such as health services, manufacturing, and retail (as reported by Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission). The city is a hub for office, retail, and light industrial activities, with millions of square feet of commercial and industrial space.
Major employers in and around Brookfield include Froedtert Health, Elmbrook School District, FIS, and Milwaukee Tool (as reported by Power Moves Relocation). The unemployment rate in Brookfield was 3.30% as of a recent report, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts).
Education and Schools
Brookfield is highly regarded for its educational system, particularly the Elmbrook School District. This district consistently ranks among the top in Wisconsin and nationally (as reported by Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and Niche). Public schools in Brookfield show strong performance in math and reading proficiency, with average scores significantly above the state average (as reported by Best Public Schools in Brookfield, WI).
The district includes multiple highly-rated elementary, middle, and high schools. Brookfield Elementary School, Dixon Elementary School, and Swanson Elementary School are among the top-ranked public elementary schools (as reported by Best Public Schools in Brookfield, WI). Brookfield East High School and Brookfield Central High School are also recognized for their academic quality.
Climate and Weather
Brookfield experiences a climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 15°F in January to 82°F in July (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Brookfield Wisconsin, United States).
July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows around 15°F (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Brookfield Wisconsin, United States). The city receives moderate annual precipitation, averaging around 959 mm, with June being the wettest month (as reported by Brookfield, Wisconsin, United States of America).