Is Monona Safe, Pros and cons of living in Monona
Monona, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive place to live for many. Nestled on the southeastern shore of Lake Monona, the city provides natural beauty alongside a developed infrastructure. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to Monona, covering key aspects of life in this Dane County community.
The city’s location provides residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly centered around the lake, while its proximity to Madison ensures access to a wider range of employment, cultural, and entertainment options. Monona’s community is characterized by a mix of established neighborhoods and ongoing development, aiming to balance growth with the preservation of its community character. Understanding the various facets of living in Monona is crucial for making an informed decision about relocating to this Wisconsin locale.
Is it Safe to Live in Monona?
Violent Crime Trends
Monona generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with a violent crime rate that is notably lower than the national average. In a typical year, the violent crime rate is reported at approximately 35 per 100,000 residents, which is 90.2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This low rate contributes to Monona’s reputation as a secure place to live, with some reports indicating a murder rate of zero (as reported by AreaVibes).
While overall crime rates may be higher than the national average in some metrics, the violent crime aspect remains a strong point for Monona’s safety profile. Residents often feel secure in their neighborhoods, with specific areas, particularly in the northwest part of the city, being considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Property Crime Overview
Monona experiences a property crime rate that is higher than the national average. Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, are more prevalent than violent crimes within the city. Specifically, Monona recorded 267 property crimes, amounting to 3137 per 100,000 people, which is 78.2% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The most common crime in Monona is larceny/theft, with an estimated rate of 799.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 43% below the national average for this specific crime type (as reported by DoorProfit). This indicates a complex crime landscape where property offenses are more common, yet violent crime remains low.
Housing and Living Costs
Median Home Prices
The housing market in Monona is characterized by home prices that are higher than both the state and national averages. As of April 2026, the median listing home price in Monona was $485,000 (as reported by Realtor.com). Other recent data from April 2026 indicates a median sales price of $500,000, with homes selling in an average of 27 days (as reported by Movoto).
These figures suggest a robust real estate market where property values have seen significant appreciation over the past decade. Monona real estate has appreciated 120.23% over the last ten years, an average annual rate of 8.21%, placing it in the top 20% nationally for real estate appreciation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Rental Market
For those considering renting, Monona offers a range of options with average rental prices that are generally lower than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Monona, WI, is $1,338 per month, which is 19% lower than the national average rent of $1,642/month (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes renting in Monona more affordable than in many other U.S. cities.
Rent prices can vary by unit size, with studio apartments averaging around $1,268 per month, one-bedroom apartments at approximately $1,338, and two-bedroom apartments around $1,896 (as reported by Apartments.com). Other sources indicate average rents ranging from $1,470 to $1,875 in 2026 (as reported by Zillow and RentCafe).
Cost of Living
Monona’s overall cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being a primary driver of this difference. Housing expenses in Monona are approximately 6% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, utility prices are about 4% lower than the national average, and transportation expenses are marginally lower as well.
When considering the cost of living, it’s important to note that grocery and healthcare costs are closer to the national average, with healthcare being about 7% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The median household income in Monona is $87,773, which helps to offset the slightly elevated cost of living (as reported by Point2Homes).
Economy and Employment
Major Employers
Monona’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, with significant contributions from the healthcare, education, and retail sectors. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS) is identified as the city’s largest employer, playing a key role in the local job market (as reported by Wisconsin.gov). Other significant employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance and Educational Services (as reported by Vertex AI Search).
Major companies with a presence in Monona include large retail chains like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Kroger, alongside other service-oriented businesses (as reported by Indeed.com). The finance and insurance sectors also show a strong concentration in Monona compared to the state average, indicating a diversified industrial base.
Job Market and Unemployment
The job market in Monona is powered by its working residents, with a significant portion employed in professional, administrative, and service-based roles. As of the most recent data, the unemployment rate in Monona stands at 2.5% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is a healthy indicator of job security and economic stability in the area.
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Monona saw a slight decline of -3.4%, with approximately 4,572 residents employed (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Educational Services.
Average Salary and Income
The average household income in Monona is competitive, reflecting the city’s economic stability and the types of industries present. The median household income in Monona was $87,773 as of 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure is about 10 percent higher than the state average of $77,485 (as reported by Census Reporter).
For individual workers, the average salary in Monona, as of May 2026, is $20.85 an hour or $43,359 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other data indicates a higher median annual household income of $87,773, with an average per capita income of $59,919 (as reported by Vertex AI Search).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Seasonal Variations
Monona experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 10°F to 82°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 71°F.
July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows near 63°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 38°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 14°F and highs near 28°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Monona receives an average annual precipitation of 39 inches, which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, sleet, and hail (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with June typically being the wettest month, averaging 4.2 inches of precipitation.
The chance of wet days varies seasonally, with a greater than 25% probability from late March to early October. February typically sees the fewest wet days. Monona also experiences significant snowfall, with an average of 43 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School District Performance
Monona is served by the Monona Grove School District, which generally receives positive ratings for its educational services. The district holds an overall Niche grade of B+, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 34% of students are proficient in math and 42% in reading.
Within the district, Winnequah School stands out as a top-performing elementary school, consistently ranking in the top 20% of Wisconsin elementary schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Monona Grove High School also demonstrates strong performance, with a 4-year graduation rate exceeding 90% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Population and Age Distribution
Monona is home to a population of approximately 8,500 residents, with a median age of around 43.7 years (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with slightly more males at 51.38% (as reported by Neilsberg).
The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the adult age brackets. Adults between 25 and 44 make up about 25.3% of the population, while those aged 45 to 64 constitute another 26.3%. Around 21.9% of residents are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Monona is predominantly White, making up approximately 85.7% of the population (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Other racial groups include those identifying with Two or More Races (4.8%), Black or African American (3.3%), and Asian (2.9%) (as reported by Vertex AI Search).
Hispanic or Latino residents constitute about 2.57% of the population (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 97.7% (as reported by Vertex AI Search).
Pros and Cons of Living in Monona
Advantages of Monona Living
Monona offers a high quality of life with its attractive natural setting on Lake Monona, providing ample recreational opportunities. The city boasts a strong sense of community and is generally considered safe, with low violent crime rates compared to national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). Its cost of living, while slightly above the national average, is balanced by competitive incomes and a stable job market.
The city’s proximity to Madison is a significant advantage, offering residents easy access to a larger metropolitan area for employment, shopping, and cultural events. Monona also provides a good educational environment, with the Monona Grove School District receiving favorable ratings, and several schools performing well within the state (as reported by Niche).
Potential Challenges
One of the primary challenges for potential residents is the cost of housing, as both home prices and rental rates are higher than the national average (as reported by Realtor.com and Apartments.com). While the overall cost of living is only slightly higher than the national average, the housing component can be a significant expense.
Another consideration is the prevalence of property crime, which is higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While violent crime is low, residents may need to take precautions against theft and burglary. Additionally, some schools in the district face challenges with high chronic absenteeism rates, which is a concern for the educational system (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).