Is North Fond du Lac Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Fond du Lac

North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm with convenient access to larger city amenities. This village, nestled in Fond du Lac County, provides a community feel with a population of approximately 5,392 residents (as of 2024) (Data USA). It is recognized for its sparse suburban environment, where most residents own their homes (Niche). The area is also noted for its numerous parks, contributing to a lifestyle that many families find appealing (Niche).

The village’s location northwest of Fond du Lac city, despite its name, places it near Lake Winnebago, offering recreational opportunities. North Fond du Lac is part of the Fond du Lac County R-1 School District, which serves students from elementary through high school (Movoto). Residents often describe North Fond du Lac as a quiet town with friendly people and helpful law enforcement (Niche).

Is it Safe to Live in North Fond du Lac?

North Fond du Lac is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 62% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Specifically, the violent crime rate is about 3.193 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org).

While the north part of the city is considered the safest, the chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of property crime is approximately 1 in 173 (AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $337 annually, which is lower than both the national and state averages (CrimeGrade.org). Many residents feel safe walking in most areas, contributing to the perception of a secure community (Niche).

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in North Fond du Lac is described as competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly. The median sale price of a home was approximately $250,000 in a recent month, showing a significant increase of 37.7% compared to the previous year (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $170, also up by 10.7% year-over-year (Redfin).

Homes in North Fond du Lac typically sell in about 54 days, and many properties receive multiple offers (Redfin). The median listing home price is around $238,900, with a median of 37 days on the market (Realtor.com). The median home value in North Fond du Lac is approximately $155,100 (Data USA, Niche), with an owner-occupancy rate of about 55.7% (Data USA).

Cost of Living

North Fond du Lac offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. Overall, the cost of living is about 10% lower than the national average (Payscale). This affordability is significantly influenced by housing expenses, which are approximately 26% lower than the national average (Payscale).

Utility prices are also more affordable, being 8% lower than the national average. Transportation costs, including gas prices, are 5% lower than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly lower, by about 3% compared to the national average (Payscale).

Economy and Employment

Job Market

The employment landscape in North Fond du Lac shows a slight decline in recent years. Between 2023 and 2024, employment in the village decreased by approximately 1.82%, with the number of employees falling from 2,750 to 2,700 (Data USA). The primary industries providing employment for residents include manufacturing, construction, and accommodation and food services (Data USA).

Key job categories for North Fond du Lac residents are in production occupations, followed by office and administrative support, and food preparation and serving related roles (Data USA). The average annual salary in North Fond du Lac is approximately $51,928, which translates to about $24.97 per hour (ZipRecruiter).

Major Employers

While specific major employers within North Fond du Lac are not extensively detailed, the broader Fond du Lac area hosts several significant companies. These include entities in manufacturing, healthcare, and services. Some of the largest employers in the Fond du Lac region are involved in areas such as printing and packaging, health insurance, sausage production, and paper product manufacturing (Wisconsin Public Service).

Other notable employers in the Fond du Lac area are involved in healthcare, construction, and food production (Envision Greater Fond du Lac). Companies like Alliance Laundry Systems, BCI Burke Company, and Sadoff Iron & Metal are also significant contributors to the regional economy (Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Seasons

North Fond du Lac experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are warm, with average daily high temperatures reaching above 71°F from late May to mid-September (Weather and Climate). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 62°F (Weather and Climate).

Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 37°F from early December to early March (Weather and Climate). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 13°F and highs of 27°F (Weather and Climate). Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 12°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below -7°F or exceeding 90°F (Weather and Climate).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

The village experiences significant seasonal rainfall. The period from April to October is generally wetter, with a greater than 25% chance of a wet day (Weather and Climate). June typically sees the most rainfall, averaging around 3.7 inches (Weather and Climate).

The drier season occurs from October to April. February usually has the fewest wet days, averaging about 3.7 days with precipitation (Weather and Climate). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with January having an average of 2.5 days of snow (Weather and Climate). Annually, North Fond du Lac receives about 28 inches of precipitation (Geek Weather).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings and Districts

North Fond du Lac is served by the North Fond du Lac School District, which receives an overall B- grade from Niche. This district serves approximately 1,571 students in grades PK through 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that about 28% of students are proficient in math and 30% in reading (Niche).

Within the district, Horace Mann High School has a rating of 3.65 out of 5 based on reviews (Niche). Parkside Elementary School in the nearby Fond du Lac School District has a rating of 4 out of 5 (Niche). The North Fond du Lac School District is also recognized for being among the more diverse districts in Wisconsin (Niche).

Demographics and Population

As of 2024, North Fond du Lac has a population of approximately 5,392 people, making it one of the more populated villages in Wisconsin (Data USA). The population is predominantly White, making up about 84.6% of residents, followed by Hispanic residents at 12% (Data USA, Census Dots). The median age in North Fond du Lac is 38.9 years (Census Dots, Livability.com).

Citizenship in North Fond du Lac is high, with about 93.9% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is slightly higher than the national average (Data USA). The percentage of residents born outside the country is around 7.83% (Data USA). The median household income in North Fond du Lac was approximately $62,832 in 2024 (Data USA), though another source indicates a median household income of $69,444 (Livability.com).