Is Menasha Safe, Pros and cons of living in Menasha

Menasha, Wisconsin, situated in the heart of the Fox Valley, offers a blend of suburban comfort and access to natural beauty. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and a community that values its local heritage. It provides a balanced lifestyle with proximity to larger urban centers while maintaining its own distinct character.

As a city within Winnebago County, Menasha is part of the Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah Metropolitan Statistical Area. This strategic location offers residents the benefits of a smaller community with convenient access to the amenities and opportunities of a larger region. The city is characterized by its friendly neighborhoods and a commitment to preserving its local charm.

Is it Safe to Live in Menasha?

Menasha’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average, making it a relatively safe community. Violent crime incidents are also significantly below the national rate, and property crime rates are comparable to other communities of similar size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, crime rates can vary by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing more incidents than others (as reported by AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org).

While Menasha is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of specific neighborhood safety. Your risk of being a victim of crime can vary, with some areas having a higher chance of incidents than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout). The city’s crime safety grade is generally positive, indicating well-below-average crime rates overall compared to major U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

Home Prices

The housing market in Menasha presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. The median home price in Menasha was $277,450 as of March 2026, showing an increase of 18.1% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Other reports indicate a median home value of $173,785 (as reported by Livability.com), and a typical home price of $270,175 (as reported by CommunityScale). The average home value in Menasha was $307,807 in March 2026, up 5.7% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Rental Costs

For those considering renting, Menasha offers more affordable options compared to the national average. The average rent in Menasha was $923 last month, showing a decrease of $21 month-over-month (as reported by Redfin). As of May 2026, the average rent in Menasha, WI is $1,059 per month, which is 36% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Another source indicates the median rent for all property types in Menasha is $1,159 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper).

Cost of Living

Menasha’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average. The cost of living in Menasha is 11% less expensive than the national average and 5% less expensive than the average city in Wisconsin (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Overall living costs in Menasha are 1% lower than the U.S. national average and 22% lower than Wisconsin’s state average, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Menasha is home to several significant employers that contribute to its economic landscape. Menasha Corporation, a packaging and supply chain solutions provider, is a prominent company with a long history in the region (as reported by Zippia, Lensa). Other notable employers include Faith Technologies, Inc., and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, which serves as a major educational institution and employer (as reported by Zippia).

Employment and Salaries

The employment sector in Menasha is diverse, with manufacturing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance being common industries (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Menasha, Wisconsin, is reported to be around $46,174 per year or $22.20 per hour as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate an average salary of $64,778 per year or $31 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert), and an annual salary of $47,000 or $22.60 per hour (as reported by Zippia).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Wisconsin was 3.4% in February 2026, a slight increase from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts). This rate is lower than the U.S. national average and significantly lower than the long-term average for Wisconsin (as reported by YCharts, USAFacts). The state’s unemployment rate can vary by county, with some areas having lower rates due to diverse job opportunities and industries (as reported by USAFacts).

Climate and Weather

Temperatures

Menasha experiences distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from an average low of around 11°F in January to an average high of 81°F in July (as reported by Time and Date). The warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily highs often exceeding 70°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures remaining below 37°F.

Rainfall and Snowfall

The annual precipitation in Menasha averages around 33 inches, with the majority occurring during the warmer months. June typically sees the most rainfall, averaging about 3.7 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Time and Date). Winter months bring snowfall, with an average of 48 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from January to mid-February tends to be the driest, while June receives the most precipitation (as reported by Time and Date).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Menasha Joint School District serves the city’s K-12 students and is rated as an above-average public school district (as reported by Niche). Within the district, Clovis Grove Elementary School, Banta Bilingual Elementary School, and Menasha High School are among the top-ranked institutions (as reported by Niche, NeighborhoodScout). However, public schools in Menasha have shown average math and reading proficiency scores that are below the state average (as reported by Niche).

Population and Demographics

Menasha has a population of approximately 18,273 residents (as reported by Point2Homes, ZoomProspector). The median age in Menasha is around 37.6 years (as reported by Point2Homes, ZoomProspector). The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other racial groups, including Hispanic or Latino residents (as reported by Point2Homes, Data USA, ZoomProspector).

The city has a diverse population, with about 49.4% males and 50.6% females (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of residents are US-born citizens, with a smaller percentage being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of residents own their homes, contributing to a dense suburban feel (as reported by Niche).