Is Rhinelander Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rhinelander

Rhinelander, Wisconsin, nestled in the Northwoods, offers a blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. This city provides a unique lifestyle for those seeking a connection with the outdoors, combined with the conveniences of a community that values its heritage and local character.

Known for its scenic lakes and forests, Rhinelander serves as a gateway to numerous recreational activities. Its location in Oneida County positions it as a hub for both residents and visitors looking to explore the Wisconsin wilderness. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural surroundings is evident in its numerous parks and accessible outdoor spaces.

Is it Safe to Live in Rhinelander?

Rhinelander’s overall crime rate is considered to be about the same as the average U.S. city, with a C+ grade for safety (as reported by Niche). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Rhinelander is approximately 1 in 56 (according to NeighborhoodScout). This is based on FBI crime data, which indicates that the city has a crime rate that is higher than 91% of Wisconsin’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When compared to communities of a similar population size, Rhinelander’s combined violent and property crime rate is higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, the city distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting 98 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is 72.7% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes in Rhinelander amount to 1,717 per 100,000 residents, which is 2.4% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Rhinelander is 1 in 1,036, which is about average for all communities in America across all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The rate for property crime in Rhinelander is 17 per one thousand inhabitants, making it a place where there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of a property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Rhinelander presents a median home value of $125,700 as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This median property value is lower than the Wisconsin average of $220,185 (as reported by Redfin). The homeownership rate in Rhinelander is 65.5%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

For renters, the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Rhinelander is $1,195 per month (as reported by Zillow). The price range for rentals typically falls between $875 and $1,800 (as reported by Zillow). The average apartment size in Rhinelander is 893 square feet, with a reported increase of 3.6% in the last year (as reported by Apartments.com).

The Rhinelander housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes selling in a median of 58 days (as reported by Redfin). Some homes may receive multiple offers, and the average home sells for about 3% below the list price (as reported by Redfin).

Economic Landscape and Employment

Rhinelander’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with common employment sectors for males including manufacturing, construction, and retail trade. For females, the primary industries are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services (as reported by PBworks). Major employers in the area include Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital, the School District of Rhinelander, and various manufacturing companies like Ahlstrom and Charter Next Generation (as reported by Zippia, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce).

The average salary in Rhinelander, WI, is approximately $57,545 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage is $47.3K annually, with the 25th percentile earning $34K and the 75th percentile earning $78.8K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some popular job titles in Rhinelander, such as CNA, Social Work, and Welding, can pay between 13.4% and 13.4% more than the city’s average salary (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Wisconsin was 3.5% as of March 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment data for Rhinelander is not readily available, the state’s rate provides a general economic context.

Demographics and Community Profile

Rhinelander is home to approximately 8,316 residents, with a population that has remained relatively stable, showing a slight decrease since the 2020 census (as reported by Data USA, World Population Review). The city’s population is predominantly White, accounting for about 92.7% of residents (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups include Multiracial (3.7%), Black or African American (1.1%), Hispanic (1.9%), and Native American/Other (0.6%) (as reported by Data USA).

The median age in Rhinelander is 38.2 years, with a nearly balanced gender distribution of 96.3 males for every 100 females (as reported by World Population Review). The population is distributed across various age groups, with 15.8% under 15, 14.5% between 15 and 24, 28.2% between 25 and 44, 24.3% between 45 and 64, and 17.2% aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Citizenship is high in Rhinelander, with 99.5% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2% (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate in Rhinelander is 12.8%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Rhinelander experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally long, comfortable, and partly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 67°F from May to September (as reported by AccuWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 78°F and lows of 57°F (as reported by AccuWeather).

Winters are cold, snowy, windy, and mostly cloudy. The coldest month is January, with average lows around 6°F and highs of 22°F (as reported by AccuWeather). The average annual rainfall in Rhinelander is approximately 30 inches, and the city receives about 56 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by Livability.com).

The clearest part of the year typically runs from late May to late October, with August being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudier period spans from late October to late May, with January being the cloudiest month (as reported by AccuWeather).

Education and School System

The Rhinelander School District serves the educational needs of the community, offering services for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, with 2,295 students enrolled (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 35% of students are proficient in math and 35% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Rhinelander High School, a public institution, has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with 756 students in grades 9-12. The school receives an overall Niche grade of C+ (as reported by Niche). Academically, it is rated B-, with Teachers receiving a C+ and Sports a B (as reported by Niche).

While the district provides a range of opportunities, some reviews suggest a focus on athletics and a potential lack of community connection for some students. However, the school is noted for its support systems for students preparing for post-high school life, whether it be college, trade school, or the armed forces (as reported by Niche).