Is Cudahy Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cudahy
Cudahy, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessible city amenities, making it an appealing location for those considering a move to the Milwaukee metropolitan area. This city provides a community-focused environment with a population that values a stable and comfortable lifestyle. Residents can enjoy a slower pace of life while still having convenient access to the broader economic and cultural opportunities of Milwaukee.
The city is characterized by its diverse population and a strong sense of community, with various local events and parks contributing to its appeal. Understanding the various facets of Cudahy, from its economic landscape to its daily living conditions, is essential for anyone contemplating a relocation to this Wisconsin locale.
Is it Safe to Live in Cudahy?
Crime Rates
Cudahy presents a mixed but generally moderate safety profile. The overall crime rate is reported at 9 per 1,000 residents, placing it around the average for cities of all sizes across the United States (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). This means your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Cudahy is approximately 1 in 109.
When specifically looking at violent crime, the rate is about 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is also considered average for the nation. Property crime, including burglary and theft, is recorded at 8 per 1,000 residents, which is also about average for American cities. Some analyses suggest Cudahy’s crime rate is lower than approximately 27% of Wisconsin communities, and notably lower than the average for similarly sized cities nationwide, indicating a relatively safe environment for its size (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, other reports indicate a crime rate of 30.18 per 1,000 residents, with a C- safety grade, suggesting it is slightly higher than the average US city, ranking it safer than only 34% of cities (according to Crimegrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 805, and your risk of property crime is 1 in 130 (according to AreaVibes).
Neighborhood Safety Perceptions
Resident perceptions often highlight specific areas within Cudahy as being safer than others. The southwest part of the city is generally considered the safest by Cudahy residents. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 29 in the southern neighborhoods to 1 in 37 in the southwest (according to Crimegrade.org).
Conversely, the southwest areas of Cudahy see the most crime incidents, approximately 113 per year, while the northwest part of the city experiences the fewest, with around 11 crimes annually. This variation suggests that while the city as a whole has average crime statistics, localized safety can differ significantly.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
Cudahy offers relatively affordable housing compared to national averages, though prices have seen an increase. The median property value in Cudahy was $216,500 in 2024, an increase of 7.71% from the previous year (according to Data USA). The median sale price of a home in Cudahy was $308,000 as of March 2026, with prices up 8.1% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). Homes in Cudahy spend an average of 36 days on the market, slightly faster than the previous year (according to Redfin).
The median listing home price in Cudahy, WI, is $307,450 (according to Realtor.com). Another source indicates the median home value is $282,520, up 5.9% over the past year (according to Zillow). The homeownership rate in Cudahy is 61.4%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (according to Data USA).
Rental Market
Rental prices in Cudahy have seen an increase. The average rent for an apartment in Cudahy is $1,342, a 13.15% increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments average $1,083, while two-bedroom units are priced at $1,445. A significant 70% of rentals in Cudahy fall within the $1,001-$1,500 per month range.
However, other sources provide different figures for average rent. As of May 2026, the average rent in Cudahy, WI, is $983 per month, which is 40% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This figure suggests that renting in Cudahy is more affordable than in most U.S. cities. A studio apartment averages $804, a one-bedroom is $983, and a two-bedroom is around $1,240 per month.
Overall Cost of Living
Cudahy’s overall cost of living is generally considered lower than the national average. Housing expenses are approximately 15% lower than the national average, and utility prices are about 7% lower (according to Payscale). Transportation expenses, however, are about 1% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Cudahy, Wisconsin, is 5% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Another report states that living costs in Cudahy are 2% higher than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being 4.4% higher (according to Salary.com). This discrepancy highlights the need to consult multiple sources for the most accurate cost of living assessment.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Information regarding specific major employers in Cudahy is not readily available in the provided search results. However, job titles that indicate higher-than-average salaries include Aerospace Engineer, Nursing, and roles within Fedex (according to ZipRecruiter).
Other jobs that pay above the city average include roles related to Aerospace Engineering, Nursing, and Fedex. Some popular jobs in Cudahy include Caregiver, Packer, and Fedex positions.
Employment and Salary
The unemployment rate in Cudahy stands at 2.4% (according to Point2Homes), which is considered lower than average, suggesting strong job prospects and a healthy local economy. Another source reports the unemployment rate at 1.6% (according to Niche).
The average annual salary in Cudahy is approximately $49,790, which breaks down to about $23.94 per hour. Most salaries in Cudahy range between $36,500 and $60,250 annually. The median household income in Cudahy is $66,719 (according to Data USA and Niche).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Seasons
Cudahy experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The summer season lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 70°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 80°F and lows of 65°F (according to Weather Spark).
The winter season spans from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 40°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 18°F and highs of 30°F. The temperature typically varies between 18°F and 81°F throughout the year and rarely goes below 0°F or above 90°F (according to Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Cudahy receives an average annual precipitation of 36 inches, with snowfall also contributing to the precipitation totals (according to myPerfectWeather). The drier season lasts from October to March, with February having the fewest wet days. June typically sees the most precipitation, with an average of 5 inches for the month.
The climate is described as partly cloudy year-round. The clearest period is from June to October, with August being the clearest month. The cloudier period extends from October to June, with January being the cloudiest month.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Public schools in Cudahy, WI, have an average math proficiency score of 21% and a reading proficiency score of 27%, which are below the Wisconsin state averages (according to Niche). The schools in Cudahy have an average ranking of 1 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Wisconsin public schools.
Cudahy High School consistently ranks in the bottom 10-15% of Wisconsin high schools, with significantly below-average proficiency rates in core subjects. The Cudahy School District is ranked 377th out of 426 Wisconsin school districts (according to SchoolDigger).
Population and Demographics
Cudahy is home to a population of approximately 17,900 residents (according to Data USA). The racial composition is predominantly White (around 78%), with significant Hispanic (11%) and smaller percentages of other racial groups (according to Niche). The median age in Cudahy is 42.3 years (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
The majority of Cudahy residents are U.S. citizens, with 97.5% holding citizenship (according to Data USA). The foreign-born population is about 6.87% of residents (according to Data USA). The poverty rate in Cudahy is 11.4%, which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (according to Data USA and Niche).