Is Delafield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Delafield
Delafield, Wisconsin, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled in Waukesha County, this city is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area, providing residents with access to both natural beauty and urban amenities. Its location along the Bark River and proximity to the Kettle Moraine State Forest offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The community is known for its historic downtown, picturesque setting, and family-friendly atmosphere. Delafield’s appeal is further enhanced by its well-regarded school system and a variety of local events that foster a strong sense of community. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for anyone considering a move to Delafield, covering essential aspects such as safety, cost of living, job market, and quality of life.
Is it Safe to Live in Delafield?
Delafield’s safety profile presents a nuanced picture. While the city has a lower violent crime rate than the national average, property crime rates are higher. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Delafield is approximately 1 in 1819, with a violent crime rate of 1 per thousand inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, the property crime rate is 21 per thousand population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime compared to other communities nationwide (NeighborhoodScout).
Overall, Delafield’s crime rate is considered higher than 94% of Wisconsin’s cities and towns when compared to similar population sizes (NeighborhoodScout). However, some sources indicate a more favorable outlook, with one report stating Delafield has a crime safety grade of A+ and an overall crime rate 55% below the national average (DoorProfit). This discrepancy highlights the importance of examining specific crime statistics and local conditions.
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Delafield is generally higher than the national average, particularly in housing expenses. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Delafield was $640,000, a decrease of 34.0% compared to the previous year (Redfin). Other reports show a median home value of $458,300 (Kurby AI) and a median listing price of $989,000 (Delafield, WI Housing Market & Rental trends). The median rent for all property types in Delafield is around $1,700 per month (Zumper), with some sources indicating an average rent of $2,167 as of April 2026 (Zillow).
Housing costs in Delafield are approximately 4.4% higher than the national average (Salary.com). Food expenses are significantly below the national average, while energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also lower (Salary.com). Despite these lower costs in some categories, the overall cost of living in Delafield is considered to be 1% higher than the U.S. national average, with monthly expenses for a single person estimated at $2,175 and for a family of four at $4,583 (Salary.com).
Home Prices and Rental Market
Delafield’s housing market is dynamic, with recent data indicating a median sale price of $640,000 in March 2026 (Redfin). This reflects a notable year-over-year decrease of 34.0% (Redfin). Homes in Delafield typically sell after about 63 days on the market, a slight improvement from the previous year’s 75 days (Redfin).
The rental market in Delafield shows a median rent of approximately $1,700 per month for all bedroom counts and property types (Zumper). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,650, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $2,090 (Zumper). Houses for rent in Delafield are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,037 (Zumper).
Overall Cost of Living
Delafield’s overall cost of living is higher than the national average. Housing expenses are a significant contributor, being 73% higher than the national average (PayScale). Utility prices, however, are 7% lower than the national average, and transportation costs are only slightly higher (PayScale).
Food prices in Delafield are about 1% higher than the national average, while healthcare costs are also marginally higher (PayScale). These varying expenses contribute to a cost of living that is approximately 15% higher than the national average according to PayScale, though other sources suggest it is only 1% higher (Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Delafield’s job market is supported by a workforce of approximately 3,881 residents, with the primary employment sectors being Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Educational Services (Data USA). Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Education, Instruction & Library Occupations are the most common job groups among residents (Data USA).
The average annual salary in Delafield is approximately $44,634, equating to about $21.46 per hour (ZipRecruiter). However, more recent data indicates a median household income of $94,806 (Cubit/US Census Bureau) and an average annual household income of $163,860 (Point2Homes/U.S. Census Bureau). The unemployment rate in Delafield is reported as 1.6% (Point2Homes), which is considered low and suggests strong job prospects.
Major Employers
The largest private employers in Delafield are primarily in the retail industry (City of Delafield Economic Profile). Notable employers include Walmart Supercenter, Albrecht’s Sentry, Target, and Home Depot, each employing between 100 and 249 individuals (City of Delafield Economic Profile).
Other significant employers include the Delafield Military Academy and Kohl’s (City of Delafield Economic Profile). The presence of these large retail and service-oriented businesses shapes the local employment landscape.
Salary and Income Levels
Salaries in Delafield show a wide range, with most falling between $33,174 and $53,474 annually (ZipRecruiter). The average annual salary is reported at $44,634 (ZipRecruiter). However, median household income figures are considerably higher, reported at $94,806 (Cubit/US Census Bureau) and $106,486 (Apartments.com).
The per capita income in Delafield is approximately $71,780 (World Population Review). These figures suggest a generally prosperous community, with a significant portion of residents earning above the national average income. A small percentage of families, around 4.5%, live in poverty (Cubit/US Census Bureau).
Climate and Weather
Delafield experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 14°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -5°F or exceeding 90°F (Time and Date). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 71°F.
July is the hottest month, with an average high of 81°F and a low of 62°F (Time and Date). The cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 38°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 15°F and highs of 28°F (Time and Date).
Precipitation and Sunshine
Delafield receives moderate annual precipitation, averaging around 951 mm (37 inches) (Delafield, WI Weather & Climate). June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 11.0 days experiencing precipitation (Time and Date). The drier season occurs from October to March, with February having the fewest wet days, averaging 3.8 (Time and Date).
The city enjoys a good amount of sunshine, particularly in July, which averages 10.6 hours of daily sunshine (Delafield, WI Weather & Climate). The most favorable weather for visitors, with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C, generally occurs from May through September (Delafield, WI Weather & Climate).
Education and Demographics
Delafield is served by highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal for families. The Lake Country School District, for instance, receives an A+ rating from Niche and is recognized for its quality (Niche). Arrowhead High School also holds a strong reputation within the community (Niche).
The population of Delafield is approximately 7,202 residents, with a median age of 46.7 years (Cubit/US Census Bureau). The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 87% of the population, followed by Hispanic (5.3%) and individuals of Two or More Races (3.6%) (Cubit/US Census Bureau).
Population and Age Distribution
Delafield’s population is around 7,202 individuals, with a projected decrease to 7,103 by 2026 (Cubit/US Census Bureau). The median age is 46.7 years, indicating a population that skews older than the national average (Cubit/US Census Bureau; Time and Date). The age distribution shows a significant portion of residents in the older age brackets, with 24.1% being 65 and older (City of Delafield Economic Profile).
The gender distribution is relatively balanced, though with slightly fewer males than females, as indicated by a male-to-female ratio of 89.7 males per 100 females (World Population Review). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a high homeownership rate.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The dominant racial group in Delafield is White, comprising approximately 87% of the population (Cubit/US Census Bureau). Hispanic residents make up about 5.3%, and those identifying with two or more races constitute 3.6% (Cubit/US Census Bureau). Other racial groups, such as Black or African American, Asian, and Native American, are present in smaller percentages.
The population is largely of White, non-Hispanic origin, reflecting a common demographic trend in many suburban areas. In 2024, 2.75% of Delafield residents were born outside the country (Data USA).
Quality of Life and Community
Delafield offers a high quality of life, characterized by its scenic surroundings, community engagement, and access to amenities. The city boasts numerous parks and open spaces, as well as proximity to Lapham Peak in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, providing abundant recreational opportunities (City of Delafield Economic Profile).
The community actively participates in year-round events, such as art fairs, outdoor theater, and music festivals, which contribute to its vibrant atmosphere (City of Delafield Economic Profile). Its historic downtown area features locally-owned establishments, adding to the town’s unique charm.
Recreation and Outdoor Activities
Residents of Delafield have access to a wide array of recreational activities, largely due to the city’s natural setting. Lake Nagawicka offers opportunities for boating and water sports, while Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest provides hiking and nature trails (Apartments.com). The area is renowned for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The city also features numerous parks and open spaces, encouraging outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle. These natural amenities are a significant draw for families and individuals seeking an active life in a picturesque environment.
Community and Family Friendliness
Delafield is widely regarded as a family-friendly community, supported by its excellent school system and a strong sense of local engagement. The city hosts various community events throughout the year, fostering a close-knit atmosphere (Apartments.com). These events, from Halloween celebrations to art fairs, bring residents together and enhance the town’s appeal.
The median age of 46.7 years suggests a stable population, and the high homeownership rate further indicates a commitment to the community. The combination of safety, good schools, and recreational opportunities makes Delafield an attractive place for families to settle down.