Is Kaukauna Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kaukauna

Kaukauna, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-city charm and access to larger metropolitan amenities, making it an attractive place for many to consider relocating. Nestled along the Fox River, the city provides a community feel with a focus on quality of life. Its location in Outagamie and Calumet counties places it within reasonable distance of Green Bay and Appleton, offering residents the best of both worlds.

This profile delves into the key aspects of living in Kaukauna, covering safety, the cost of living, housing, employment, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to this Midwestern city. The following information aims to provide a comprehensive overview to aid in decision-making.

Is it Safe to Live in Kaukauna?

Kaukauna is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The city experiences a total crime rate that is approximately 63% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates have seen a notable decrease over the decades, with recent data indicating a rate of 681 incidents per 100,000 people, well below the national average of 1,760 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent crime is also considerably lower than the national average, with assault, robbery, rape, and murder incidents reported at a rate of 102 per 100,000 individuals, which is 71.6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Kaukauna is about 1 in 980, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 147 (as reported by AreaVibes). Overall, Kaukauna presents a crime rate of 783, which is substantially lower than the national average of 2,119 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Kaukauna presents a more affordable option compared to many other areas. The median home price in Kaukauna was approximately $383,000 last month, marking a significant increase of 27.8% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, more recent data from March shows a median home price of $286,000, which was a decrease of 9.91% compared to the prior year (as reported by Redfin).

Homes in Kaukauna typically sell after about 47 days on the market, though this can fluctuate (as reported by Redfin). The average rent for a property in Kaukauna is around $1,199 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure remains consistent month-over-month but has seen a notable increase of $150 year-over-year (as reported by Zillow).

The cost of living in Kaukauna is also favorable, being approximately 1% lower than the U.S. national average and 22% lower than Wisconsin’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs specifically are about 30.3% lower than the national average, with a single person spending around $836 monthly on housing and a family of four around $1,533 (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Kaukauna’s economy is driven by several key industries, with manufacturing being a significant employer, accounting for approximately one-third of the city’s labor force (as reported by the City of Kaukauna). Production workers, administrative support, and construction and extraction roles represent the top professions in the city (as reported by the City of Kaukauna).

The average annual salary in Kaukauna is around $44,459, which translates to about $21.37 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Wisconsin was 3.1% as of March 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Major employers in the region include Expera Specialty Solutions and Banta Packaging & Fulfillment Inc. (as reported by Zippia).

While specific unemployment figures for Kaukauna are not directly available, the broader regional and state data suggest a relatively stable job market. The city actively encourages business growth, with multiple industrial parks and a revitalizing downtown district (as reported by the City of Kaukauna).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Kaukauna experiences a climate typical of the Upper Midwest, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, with average high temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, while winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures dropping into the teens Fahrenheit. The city receives a moderate amount of annual rainfall, averaging around 30-35 inches, with snowfall typically ranging from 30-40 inches per year.

The warmer months, from June through August, offer pleasant conditions with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. Spring and autumn provide transitional weather, with average temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit. Winter, from December through February, brings colder temperatures, with average highs in the low 20s and lows in the single digits Fahrenheit.

The National Weather Service provides detailed local forecasts and climate data for the Kaukauna area. The region experiences a continental climate with significant seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation (as reported by the National Weather Service).

Education and School System

The Kaukauna Area School District serves the city, offering educational opportunities for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district receives a B+ overall Niche grade, with particular strengths noted in academics and clubs/activities (as reported by Niche). Kaukauna High School, part of this district, also holds a B overall Niche grade, indicating above-average performance.

At Kaukauna High School, the student-teacher ratio is approximately 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that about 38% of students are proficient in math and 36% in reading (as reported by Niche). The district as a whole aims to prepare students for college and beyond, with various programs and support systems in place.

The Kaukauna Area School District ranks among the top in Wisconsin, particularly noted for its athletic programs and overall district performance (as reported by Niche). The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education, with an emphasis on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.

Demographics and Population

As of the most recent census data, Kaukauna has a population of approximately 17,089 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Kaukauna is around 37.4 years, with a fairly even distribution between males and females (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of Kaukauna is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other racial groups represented. The population consists of about 94.5% White individuals, with smaller proportions of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races (as reported by Wikipedia). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 2.6% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).

Kaukauna is part of the Appleton, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city’s population has been steadily growing, with recent estimates indicating an increase of over 10% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review).