Is Lake Geneva Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lake Geneva

Is it Safe to Live in Lake Geneva?

Lake Geneva presents a mixed safety profile, with overall crime rates that are lower than the national average but with certain areas experiencing higher risks. The city’s violent crime rate is reported as 102 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average (according to FBI Uniform Crime Report data). However, property crime rates are also noted as being 18% lower than the national average. Residents generally consider the southern parts of the city to be the safest, with crime rates varying significantly by neighborhood.

When considering safety, it’s important to note that Lake Geneva’s overall crime rate is higher than 90% of Wisconsin’s cities and towns. However, when compared to communities of similar population size, its crime rate is considered quite a bit higher than average. The total projected cost of crime in Lake Geneva for 2025 is estimated at over $4.5 million, impacting residents and households financially (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite these figures, Lake Geneva is considered safer than 64% of U.S. cities, receiving a B- grade for safety from some analyses.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Lake Geneva shows a median listing price of $585,000, indicating a strong demand in the area (as reported by a real estate trends analysis). Homes are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 49 days on the market, and typically selling close to the asking price. Year-over-year, the median sale price has seen a significant increase of 17.71%.

For renters, the market presents a median rent of $2,400 per month across 18 available rentals. While the number of rentals has increased year-over-year, the median rent price has experienced a month-over-month decline of 9.43%. The average rent for an apartment in Lake Geneva is approximately $1,259 per month, with studios averaging around $487, one-bedrooms at $1,259, and two-bedrooms at $1,664 (according to Apartments.com data). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $1,747 for all bedroom counts and property types, and some reports suggest an average rent of $3,000 for houses and apartments combined.

Job Market and Major Employers

Lake Geneva’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, retail trade, and accommodation and food services being the most prominent sectors for its residents (as per Data USA). Employment in the city has seen a slight decline of 0.234% from 2023 to 2024. The primary job groups for residents include management occupations, sales and related occupations, and office and administrative support occupations.

Major employers in Lake Geneva include large retail chains such as Walmart, Target, and ALDI, alongside hospitality and service providers like McDonald’s and Starbucks (as listed on Indeed.com). The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is also a significant employer, offering a range of services including a full-service spa and golf courses (according to Zippia). Manufacturing companies like Kellanova and ITW also contribute to the local job market, indicating a varied employment landscape.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Lake Geneva is generally considered to be higher than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 4% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant factor, being 13% higher than the national average. However, other expenses such as transportation, energy, and healthcare costs are noted as being lower than the national average, with energy and transportation costs being particularly affordable.

For a single person, estimated monthly expenses are around $2,348, and for a family of four, it’s approximately $5,142. These figures suggest that while housing is more expensive, other essential costs help to balance the overall cost of living. When comparing to other major cities, Lake Geneva is notably less expensive than places like San Francisco or Chicago.

Climate and Weather

Lake Geneva experiences distinct seasons, with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 14°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below -5°F or exceeding 90°F (as per Weather and Climate data). The warmest month is July, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 61°F, while January is the coldest, with average highs of 29°F and lows of 15°F.

Annual precipitation averages around 37 to 38 inches, with June being the wettest month, receiving about 3.9 to 5.2 inches of rain. Snowfall is common in the winter, with an average of 39 to 45.8 inches annually. The period from May to September is generally considered the most comfortable for outdoor activities, with milder temperatures and lower humidity levels.

Education and School Ratings

Public schools in Lake Geneva generally perform well, with an average ranking of 8 out of 10, placing them in the top 30% of Wisconsin public schools (according to Niche). Math proficiency scores average around 49%, and reading proficiency scores are around 45%, both exceeding the state averages (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio in the Lake Geneva Joint 1 School District is approximately 13 to 1.

Among the top-rated schools are Reek Elementary School, Woods Elementary School, and Star Center Elementary School. These schools demonstrate strong academic performance, with some elementary schools showing over 70% of students proficient in various subjects and very low student-teacher ratios. While some schools in the broader area face challenges, the top-performing institutions highlight a commitment to quality education.

Demographics

Lake Geneva is home to approximately 8,521 residents, with a projected population of 8,882 by 2026 (according to Data USA and other census data sources). The population is growing at an annual rate of about 1.09%. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, at around 89.6%, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at approximately 6% to 10.6%, and smaller percentages identifying with other races or multiple races (as per Point2Homes and Census Reporter). The median age in Lake Geneva is around 49 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males.

Citizenship is high, with about 97.5% of residents being U.S. citizens. The majority of households do not report speaking a non-English language at home. A notable portion of the population has pursued higher education, with significant percentages holding associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. The poverty rate is reported at 10.68%, which is lower than the national average.