Is Sturgeon Bay Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and coastal appeal, situated on the picturesque shores of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This Door County gem is known for its maritime heritage, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty, making it a sought-after destination for both visitors and potential residents. The city provides a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas.
The community prides itself on its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of local identity. With its scenic waterfront, historic architecture, and access to outdoor recreational activities, Sturgeon Bay presents a compelling case for those considering a move to a place that balances natural splendor with a welcoming community spirit. Its location on the Door Peninsula also offers a gateway to the many attractions and natural wonders of the surrounding region.
Is it Safe to Live in Sturgeon Bay?
Sturgeon Bay is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 745 per 100,000 residents, which is about 65% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This statistic encompasses both violent and property crimes, indicating a low incidence of criminal activity across the board.
Violent crime rates in Sturgeon Bay are particularly low, standing at about 91 per 100,000 individuals, which is 75% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Property crimes also remain well below the national average, with 655 incidents per 100,000 residents, a rate that is 62.8% lower than the national figure (AreaVibes). These statistics suggest that residents can feel secure in their daily lives, with a low chance of becoming a victim of crime, estimated at 1 in 135 (AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Sturgeon Bay
The cost of living in Sturgeon Bay is slightly higher than the national average, with some expenses being more significant than others. Overall, the cost of living is about 6% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). However, housing costs can be a notable factor, with the median home value in Sturgeon Bay being $236,300 (Niche). The median rent for an apartment is around $1,046 per month (Apartments.com).
When comparing specific categories, groceries are approximately 10.4% more expensive than the national average (Apartments.com). Utilities, however, are about 4.2% less expensive (Apartments.com). Transportation costs are also lower, being 11.3% less than the national average (Apartments.com). To live comfortably in Sturgeon Bay as a single adult, a salary of around $82,000 before taxes is recommended (Apartments.com).
Housing Market and Rental Information
The housing market in Sturgeon Bay presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. The median home value in Sturgeon Bay was $236,300 as of 2024 (Niche). More recently, the median sale price of a home was $335,000 last month, showing an increase of 13.6% since last year (Redfin). This indicates a growing real estate market with appreciating property values.
For renters, the average rent in Sturgeon Bay is approximately $1,046 per month (Apartments.com). This figure is 36% lower than the national average rent, making Sturgeon Bay a relatively affordable option for those who prefer to rent (Apartments.com). Studio apartments can be found for around $955 per month, one-bedroom apartments for $1,046, two-bedroom apartments for approximately $1,361, and three-bedroom rentals for $1,852 or more (Apartments.com).
Job Market and Employment Opportunities
Sturgeon Bay’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade being prominent sectors. The employment rate in Sturgeon Bay is 96.8%, with a workforce of 5,057 residents (Point2Homes). The city’s employment has seen growth, with a 3.61% increase from the previous year, leading to approximately 5,060 employees (Data USA).
Major employers in the area include Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Door County Medical Center, and Hatco Corporation, among others (Door County). Manufacturing is a significant contributor, with a substantial number of residents employed in this sector. Other common job types include those in office and administrative support, production, and management occupations (Data USA).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Sturgeon Bay experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with comfortable summers and cold, snowy winters. The warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 67°F (Time and Date). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 77°F and lows of 61°F (Time and Date).
Conversely, the cold season runs from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 36°F (Time and Date). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 14°F and highs of 27°F (Time and Date). The city receives an average of 32 inches of rainfall annually (Livability.com), and experiences significant seasonal snowfall, with January typically seeing the most snow (Time and Date).
Education and School Ratings
The Sturgeon Bay School District is recognized for its quality education, with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 35% of students are proficient in math and 42% in reading (Niche). The district has recently made strides, moving from a “Meets Expectations” rating to “Exceeds Expectations” on state report cards, reflecting significant progress in student performance (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction).
Sturgeon Bay High School, serving grades 9-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and is rated B by Niche (Homes.com). While math proficiency is at 30% and reading proficiency at 35% for the high school, the overall district growth is a positive indicator of educational commitment (Niche, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction).
Demographics and Population
Sturgeon Bay is home to approximately 9,806 residents, with a slight majority being female (50.2%) compared to male (49.8%) (Data USA). The population is growing at a rate of 0.67% annually, with an increase of 4.17% since the most recent census in 2020 (Population.com). The median age in Sturgeon Bay is 45.8 years, indicating a community with a balanced age distribution (Population.com).
The racial makeup of Sturgeon Bay is predominantly White (87% according to Niche, or 88.34% according to Population.com), with smaller percentages of Hispanic, Two or more races, and Native American populations. The poverty rate is approximately 9.18% (Data USA), and the citizenship rate is high, with 98.4% of residents being U.S. citizens (Data USA).
Major Employers and Economic Landscape
Sturgeon Bay’s economy is significantly influenced by its maritime industry and manufacturing sector, with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding being a major employer, providing nearly 700 jobs (Door County). Other key employers include Door County Medical Center, Hatco Corporation, and N.E.W. Industries, contributing to a diverse job market (Door County).
The county’s economy traditionally relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, with manufacturing largely concentrated in Sturgeon Bay. The city’s business climate is energized by companies with both local and global market reach, supported by a solid infrastructure (Door County). The presence of these diverse employers helps create a resilient economy, less dependent on any single industry.
Average Salary and Income
The median household income in Sturgeon Bay is approximately $59,926 (Data USA). This figure reflects a 5.35% increase from the previous year. The average salary for employees at the City of Sturgeon Bay is around $80,144 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $70,083 to $91,698 annually (Indeed). These figures represent overall averages, and actual salaries can vary based on specific roles and experience levels.
The median wage in Sturgeon Bay is $45.6K per year (ZipRecruiter). While some popular jobs like RNs, Mechanical Engineers, and Physical Therapists can earn significantly more than the city average, the overall income levels provide a good indication of the local economic conditions for residents.