Is Elm Grove Safe, Pros and cons of living in Elm Grove
Elm Grove, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement, making it an attractive place for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. This village, nestled in Waukesha County, is known for its well-regarded schools, stable housing market, and a strong sense of local identity.
The community’s appeal is further enhanced by its convenient location, providing residents access to the amenities of the greater Milwaukee area while maintaining its own distinct charm. From its diverse population to its economic landscape, Elm Grove presents a comprehensive picture for potential residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Elm Grove?
Elm Grove is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The village experiences a crime rate of 32.06 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade). Violent crimes are particularly rare, with reports indicating a rate of 0 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade, AreaVibes).
Residents often consider the west part of Elm Grove to be the safest area. The chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 21 in the southeast to 1 in 46 in the west (CrimeGrade). Overall, Elm Grove is safer than 70% of cities in the United States, and crime has decreased year over year (AreaVibes).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The Elm Grove housing market is characterized by a high homeownership rate, standing at 88.5% (Data USA). The median property value in Elm Grove was $510,400 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 24.7% compared to the previous year (Redfin). However, Zillow reports the average home value in Elm Grove, WI, as $677,736, an increase of 5.8% over the past year (Zillow, updated April 30, 2026). Niche indicates a median home value of $510,400 (Niche).
Homes in Elm Grove tend to sell after about 40 days on the market, which is longer than the previous year’s average of 27 days (Redfin). The market is described as competitive, with many homes receiving multiple offers (Redfin). Realtor.com reports a median listing home price of $789,000 (Realtor.com).
Cost of Living
Elm Grove’s cost of living is approximately 23% higher than the national average (Payscale). Housing expenses are notably higher, being 89% above the national average (Payscale). However, utility prices are 7% lower than the national average (Payscale).
Transportation costs are slightly higher than the national average, at 1% above (Payscale). Grocery prices are also 1% higher than the national average (Payscale), while healthcare costs are 1% higher as well (Payscale). To live comfortably in Elm Grove, earning around $6,736 per month or $80,832 per year is suggested, based on the average rent (Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
In Elm Grove, WI, the most common employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (Data USA). Major employers in the broader Elm Grove area include Aurora Health Care, BMO Harris Bank, and Sendik’s Food Market (Lensa). Other significant companies offering employment opportunities are Honeywell, Unum, and COUNTRY Financial (Lensa).
Historically, the professional, scientific, and technical service category comprised the highest number of business establishments in Elm Grove (Village of Elm Grove Comprehensive Plan). Many businesses in Elm Grove are characterized as small-scale enterprises, employing one to four people (Village of Elm Grove Comprehensive Plan).
Salaries and Unemployment
The median household income in Elm Grove was $158,016 in 2024 (Data USA, Elm Grove Demographics). This represents an 18.5% year-over-year growth (Data USA). The unemployment rate in Elm Grove is reported at 4.37%, with a 1-year decrease (Elm Grove Demographics).
The average annual salary in Elm Grove is approximately $46,465, equating to about $22.34 per hour (ZipRecruiter, as of April 26). Most salaries fall between $34,661 and $56,319 annually (ZipRecruiter). ZipRecruiter also indicates a higher average salary of $228,430 per year or $109.82 per hour as of May 14, 2026, with the majority of salaries ranging from $189,300 to $284,000 (ZipRecruiter, May 2026).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Rainfall
Elm Grove experiences average annual temperatures with highs around 57°F and lows around 38°F (Livability.com). The average annual rainfall is approximately 34 inches, and the average annual snowfall is about 46 inches (Livability.com).
Monthly average high temperatures range from 27°F in January to 84°F in July. Average low temperatures range from 12°F in January to 64°F in July (Country Studies). Monthly precipitation averages range from 2.53 inches in February to 4.77 inches in July (Time and Date).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Information regarding specific school ratings for Elm Grove, WI, is not readily available in the provided search results. There are mentions of “Elm Grove Elementary School” in Texas and West Virginia, which are not relevant to Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Further research would be needed to ascertain the ratings of schools within Elm Grove, Wisconsin.
Demographics
Elm Grove is home to a population of approximately 6,459 residents (Data USA, Elm Grove Demographics). The village is predominantly White, with 92.29% of the population identifying as White (Elm Grove Demographics). Other racial groups include those identifying with Two or More races (5.08%), Asian (1.61%), and Other races (0.9%) (Elm Grove Demographics).
The median age in Elm Grove is 44.3 years (Elm Grove Demographics). The population is diverse, with 99.5% of residents being U.S. citizens (Data USA). The foreign-born population is approximately 2.71% of residents (Data USA).