Is Delavan Safe, Pros and cons of living in Delavan

Delavan, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, situated in Walworth County. It is located approximately 45 miles southwest of Milwaukee, making it a feasible distance for those who appreciate a quieter lifestyle while still having access to larger city conveniences. The city is known for Delavan Lake, a popular spot for tourists, and its proximity to other recreational areas like Lake Geneva.

Historically, Delavan was settled in 1836 and was intended to be a temperance colony, with early property deeds prohibiting the sale of intoxicants. The city incorporated as a village in 1855 and later as a city. Its development was influenced by the arrival of railroads and the establishment of various industries, including a pump factory and the Bradley Knitting Company, which contributed to its economic growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The Wisconsin School for the Deaf was also established in Delavan in 1852.

Is it Safe to Live in Delavan?

Delavan presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that require consideration. The city’s violent crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average (188 per 100,000 individuals, which is 47.6% lower than the national average) (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with 1219 per 100,000 residents (30.8% lower than the national average) (according to AreaVibes).

However, other analyses indicate a different perspective on safety. One report states that Delavan is not one of America’s safest communities and has a crime rate higher than 81% of Wisconsin’s cities and towns of similar size (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of being a victim of any crime in Delavan is 1 in 79 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Delavan ranks in the 69th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 69% of cities but less safe than 31% (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing in Delavan

The cost of living in Delavan is generally considered affordable. Overall living expenses are 6% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs in Delavan are notably lower, being 16% less than the national average (according to AreaVibes). For a single person, monthly expenses are around $2,123, and for a family of four, they are approximately $4,819 (according to Salary.com).

The median home value in Delavan was approximately $329,932 as of March 2026, showing a 5.1% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). The median listing price for homes was around $326,983 in March 2026 (according to Zillow). For renters, the median rent was approximately $1,399 per month as of May 2026 (according to Zumper). This is 28% lower than the national average rent (according to Zumper).

Housing Market Trends

Delavan’s housing market indicates a seller’s market as of March 2026, with more buyers than available homes (according to Realtor.com®). Homes tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 40 days on the market in some instances (according to Realtor.com®). The median sale price has seen an increase year-over-year, reflecting a growing demand and value in the local real estate.

For those looking to rent, the market shows a median rent of $1,410 as of May 2026, with a notable increase of 77% compared to the previous year (according to Zumper). However, other reports indicate a median rent of $1,272 per month as of May 2026, which is 23% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

The average annual salary in Delavan is approximately $39,746, which equates to about $19.11 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). This salary range typically falls between $29,640 and $48,195 for most residents (according to ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying job sectors in Delavan include IT, registered nursing (RN), and digital marketing.

Major employers in Delavan include the Delavan-Darien School District, Lake Lawn Resort, SWITS, and Swiss-Tech, LLC (according to Zippia). Pentair is also a significant employer in the region, known for its global operations in water management and thermal management products (according to Zippia). The local economy also benefits from retail giants like Walmart and Lowe’s.

Unemployment and Workforce

The unemployment rate in Delavan is comparable to the national average, with no significant difference reported (according to NextBurb). Wisconsin’s overall unemployment rate is also closely monitored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The workforce distribution shows a variety of industries, with manufacturing and services being prominent sectors within the region.

Climate in Delavan

Delavan experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and wet, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 81°F and lows around 62°F (according to Weather Spark). The winter season is cold, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures in January hovering around 28°F and lows near 15°F (according to Weather Spark).

The city experiences partly cloudy conditions year-round. The clearest part of the year typically runs from mid-June to late October, with August being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudier season extends from late October to mid-June, with January often being the cloudiest month (according to Weather Spark).

Education in Delavan

The Delavan-Darien School District serves the educational needs of the community. The district has an overall Niche grade of B-minus, with specific ratings in academics, diversity, and teachers (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that approximately 26% of students are proficient in math and 33% in reading (according to Niche).

Delavan-Darien High School also holds a B-minus grade from Niche, with rankings in areas such as diversity and college preparation. The district is noted for its diversity, ranking among the top diverse school districts in Wisconsin (according to Niche). Elementary schools within the district, such as Darien Elementary and Turtle Creek Elementary, generally receive C+ grades (according to Niche).

Demographics of Delavan

Delavan has a population of approximately 8,689 residents, with a slight increase noted since the 2020 Census (according to Data USA). The population is predominantly White, making up about 75.0% of residents, followed by Hispanic or Latino individuals at 21.8% (according to Census Dots). Other racial groups, including Black, Asian, and Multiracial populations, constitute smaller percentages of the overall demographic makeup.

The median age in Delavan is around 38.1 years (according to Data USA). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate higher than the national average (according to Data USA). Households in Delavan tend to be smaller, with an average household size of 2.63 people (according to Wikipedia).

Pros and Cons of Living in Delavan

Delavan offers a lower cost of living, particularly in housing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (according to AreaVibes). The city also provides a small-town atmosphere with access to natural attractions like Delavan Lake and proximity to larger cities for more extensive amenities. Its community events and historic downtown add to its appeal.

However, the crime rates, while having some aspects below the national average, are a point of consideration for potential residents (according to AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade.org). The job market, while having some high-paying sectors, may not offer the same breadth of opportunities as larger metropolitan areas, and the average salary is moderate.