Is Sussex Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sussex

Sussex, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community-focused living. This village, located within Waukesha County, is a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a balance between a slower pace of life and proximity to the larger Milwaukee metropolitan area. Its development has been marked by a commitment to preserving a welcoming atmosphere while providing essential amenities and services to its growing population.

The village’s history dates back to its initial settlement in June 1843, with its incorporation as a unified village occurring on September 12, 1924. Spanning 8.85 square miles, Sussex is situated approximately 19 miles northwest of Milwaukee and nine miles north of the city of Waukesha. This strategic location allows residents to enjoy a quieter suburban environment while still having convenient access to the cultural, economic, and recreational opportunities of a major city.

Is it Safe to Live in Sussex?

Sussex is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Sussex is reported to be 12.25 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime is particularly low, with a rate of 1.679 per 1,000 residents, placing it in the 86th percentile for safety (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime also remains low, making it a secure environment for its residents.

NeighborhoodScout data indicates that Sussex has a combined violent and property crime rate of 4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than 70% of American communities (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Sussex is approximately one in 225 (according to NeighborhoodScout). The zip code 53089, which covers much of Sussex, also holds an A+ safety grade, with overall crime 43% below the national average (according to DoorProfit). This suggests a consistently safe environment across the village.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Sussex presents a range of options, with a strong homeownership rate among residents. The median home value in Sussex is approximately $394,700 (as reported by the Village of Sussex). This figure is higher than the national median, suggesting a robust real estate market. Most residents in Sussex own their homes, with approximately 70% of households being owner-occupied (as reported by Niche).

Rents in Sussex are generally more affordable than the national average, though this can vary by property type and size. As of May 2026, the average rent in Sussex, WI, is $1,293 per month, which is 21% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). For context, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,293, while a two-bedroom is about $1,439 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

The overall cost of living in Sussex is slightly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant factor. Sussex’s housing expenses are 36% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). However, utility prices are 7% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale), which can help offset some of the higher housing costs.

Job Market and Economy

Sussex boasts a healthy job market with a median household income that is significantly above the national average. The estimated median household income for 2023 in Sussex was $133,750 (as reported by the Village of Sussex). This is considerably higher than the national median household income, indicating a strong economic base within the village.

The unemployment rate in Sussex is consistently low, reflecting a stable job market. As of 2023, the unemployment rate was 2.8%, which is below the Wisconsin state average (as reported by the Village of Sussex). This suggests ample employment opportunities for residents within the village and surrounding areas.

Major employers in the Sussex area contribute to its economic vitality. Companies like Quad/Graphics, a large printing and media company, and Sussex IM, a manufacturing solutions provider, are significant employers in the region (as reported by Indeed and Lensa). Other notable employers include Nature’s Path Foods, Beer Capitol Distributing, and ProHealth Care (as reported by Indeed and Lensa).

Climate and Environment

Sussex experiences a classic four-season climate with distinct transitions throughout the year. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average daily high temperatures typically above 70°F between May and September (as reported by myPerfectWeather). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 62°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Winters in Sussex are cold, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 38°F from December to March (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 15°F and highs of 28°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Annual snowfall averages around 45 inches, with January being the snowiest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The village receives an average of 36 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June typically sees the most precipitation, with an average of 10.7 days of rain or liquid-equivalent precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels remain comfortable throughout the year, and Sussex enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine annually, with July being the sunniest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Sussex is served by a highly-rated public school system, with the Hamilton School District being a standout. The district is recognized for its strong academic performance, with Hamilton High School ranking among the top high schools in Wisconsin (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Many schools within the district consistently outperform state averages on standardized tests.

Several elementary and middle schools in Sussex also receive high marks. Maple Avenue Elementary School and Richmond Elementary School are among the top-ranked elementary schools in Wisconsin, both earning 5-star ratings (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). These schools demonstrate strong proficiency in both math and reading, with scores often exceeding 65% (as reported by Niche).

Overall, Sussex public schools are well-regarded, with a high graduation rate and strong college readiness indicators. The district serves a diverse student body, and the commitment to academic excellence is evident across all grade levels.

Demographics and Community

Sussex is a growing village with a population of approximately 12,607 residents as of 2024 (as reported by the Village of Sussex). The village has experienced an annual growth rate of about 1.9% in recent years (as reported by Sussex Population 2026). The median age in Sussex is around 39 years, indicating a community with a mix of young professionals, families, and older residents (as reported by the Village of Sussex and Point2Homes).

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sussex is predominantly White, with approximately 84.4% identifying as White (as reported by Point2Homes). Other significant demographic groups include Asian residents, making up about 8% of the population, and those identifying with two or more races, at around 5.2% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Sussex offers a dense suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes. The community tends to be conservative, and many families and young professionals choose to live there due to the quality of life and highly-rated public schools (as reported by Niche). The village also features numerous parks, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly community.