Is Fort Atkinson Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Atkinson
Is it Safe to Live in Fort Atkinson?
Fort Atkinson presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are notably lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 19.46 per 1,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Violent crime occurs at a rate of about 236 per 100,000 individuals, which is 34.2% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also below the national average, with 758 incidents per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes).
While the city’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, specific neighborhoods can experience varying levels of safety. Some reports indicate that the southeast part of Fort Atkinson is considered the safest, while central neighborhoods might see a higher incidence of crime (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 424, and for property crime, it’s about 1 in 132 (according to AreaVibes).
Demographics and Community
Fort Atkinson is a city in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 12,579 residents as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The city’s demographics show a predominantly White population, with 92.5% identifying as White in the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 9.1% of the population (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Fort Atkinson is around 38.4 years (according to Wikipedia), with a slightly higher female population at 51.5% compared to males at 48.5% (according to Wikipedia).
The community in Fort Atkinson is characterized by a mix of families and young professionals, with a tendency towards conservative values (according to Niche). Most residents own their homes, contributing to a stable community feel. The city offers numerous amenities, including a variety of bars, restaurants, and parks, enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Fort Atkinson is generally considered affordable, with some sources indicating it is 4% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing expenses are also lower than the national average, with home prices being 9% lower than the country’s average (according to AreaVibes). The median home price in Fort Atkinson was approximately $211,800 in 2024 (according to Data USA), and the median listing price was around $316,000 as of March 2026 (according to Redfin).
Monthly rent for an apartment in Fort Atkinson averages around $857 (according to Apartments.com), making it more affordable than many other U.S. cities. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is about $857 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can be around $910 (according to Apartments.com). The median household income in Fort Atkinson was reported as $79,302 in 2024 (according to Data USA), which is higher than the national average.
Job Market and Economy
Fort Atkinson’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade being the most prominent sectors for employment (according to Data USA). The city has a labor force of approximately 7,101 individuals, with a significant portion employed in white-collar roles (according to ZoomProspector). The unemployment rate for the Watertown-Fort Atkinson area was 3.90% as of recent data, which is lower than the long-term average (according to YCharts).
Major employers in Fort Atkinson include Fort HealthCare and Opportunities Inc. of Jefferson County, alongside businesses in the manufacturing and media sectors (according to Zippia). The average salary in Fort Atkinson is around $44,000 annually, or $21.15 per hour (according to Zippia). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $79,302 (according to Data USA), suggesting a broad range of earning potentials within the city.
Climate and Weather
Fort Atkinson experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature hovers around 47.2°F (according to US Climate Data). Summer temperatures typically range from highs of about 82°F in July to lows of 62°F, while winter temperatures can drop to an average low of 15°F in January, with highs around 28°F (according to Weather Spark).
Annual precipitation averages about 37 inches, with June being the wettest month, receiving approximately 5 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 38 inches annually (according to myPerfectWeather). The best time to visit or enjoy comfortable weather in Fort Atkinson is generally from mid-May to September, when temperatures are milder and humidity levels are more pleasant (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
The Fort Atkinson School District serves the city’s K-12 student population, with a total of 2,332 students in public schools (according to Niche). The district generally performs above the state average in standardized tests, with math proficiency at 46% and reading proficiency at 42% (according to Niche). Several elementary schools, including Barrie Elementary, Rockwell Elementary, and Luther Elementary, are highly ranked within the state (according to Niche).
Fort Atkinson High School has a strong graduation rate of 91%, which is higher than the state average (according to SchoolDigger.com). The student-teacher ratio in the district is approximately 13 to 1 (according to Niche). Overall, the public schools in Fort Atkinson are considered above average, contributing positively to the community’s quality of life.
Housing Market
The housing market in Fort Atkinson is described as somewhat competitive, with a median sale price of approximately $316,000 as of March 2026 (according to Redfin). This represents a significant increase of 26.4% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). The median listing price for homes in Fort Atkinson was around $342,267 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow).
Homeownership is prevalent in Fort Atkinson, with about 68% of residents owning their homes (according to Data USA). The median home value was around $211,800 in 2024 (according to Data USA), though other sources list higher median prices for homes currently for sale. The housing affordability in Fort Atkinson is generally favorable, with home prices being lower than the Wisconsin average (according to AreaVibes).