Is Oak Creek Safe, Pros and cons of living in Oak Creek

Oak Creek, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban comfort and accessibility, situated just south of Milwaukee along the shores of Lake Michigan. The city provides a welcoming environment for residents, characterized by its growing population and expanding economic opportunities. Its strategic location and community-focused atmosphere make it an appealing place to live for individuals and families alike.

With a population that has seen steady growth, Oak Creek maintains a balance between development and preserving its community feel. The city’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and services supports its expanding residential base. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Oak Creek remains a desirable and dynamic place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Oak Creek?

Oak Creek generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is 14% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 59% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This indicates a secure atmosphere for daily life and community activities.

While the city offers a good level of safety, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Oak Creek ranges from 1 in 25 in the southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 70 in the south (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $345 per year, which is less than the national and state averages (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs in Oak Creek

Home Prices

The housing market in Oak Creek is active, with median home prices showing some fluctuation. In March 2026, the median home price was $392,000, an increase of 10.4% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $210, which has increased by 3.2% since last year (as reported by Redfin).

Oak Creek is currently considered a buyer’s market, indicating that there is a greater supply of homes than demand. This can present opportunities for those looking to purchase property. Homes have been selling after an average of 44 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

Rental prices in Oak Creek have seen a modest increase over the past year. As of May 2026, the average rent in Oak Creek is $1,460 per month, which is 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). One-bedroom apartments average around $1,460 per month, while two-bedroom apartments can be expected to cost approximately $1,733 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

To comfortably afford rent in Oak Creek, a monthly income of about $4,866, or $58,392 annually, is generally recommended. This guideline suggests allocating no more than 30% of your monthly income to rent payments. The majority of rentals in Oak Creek fall within the $1,501-$2,000 per month range (as reported by Apartments.com).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Oak Creek is slightly higher than the national average. Oak Creek’s cost of living is 4% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This is influenced by various expense categories, with housing expenses being notably higher than the national average.

Housing expenses in Oak Creek are 16% higher than the national average, while utility prices are 7% lower. Transportation costs are about 1% higher than the national average. Grocery prices are 1% higher than the national average, and healthcare costs are also 1% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Oak Creek boasts a diverse economic landscape with several major employers contributing to its job market. Key companies include Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, Target, and Amazon, among others (as reported by Indeed.com). These companies represent various sectors, from retail and logistics to food services.

The manufacturing sector also plays a significant role, with companies like Procter & Gamble, Nucor Corporation, and Cummins having a presence in Oak Creek (as reported by Indeed.com). These industries provide a broad range of employment opportunities for residents.

Salaries and Unemployment

The average salary in Oak Creek is approximately $52,000 per year, with an average hourly pay of $25.00 (as reported by Zippia). Salaries can vary significantly based on industry and experience, with top-paying jobs including Nephrologist, Family Medicine Physician, and Primary Care Physician (as reported by Zippia).

The unemployment rate in Oak Creek was 3.6% as of February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). This rate is generally considered moderate, indicating a stable job market. The city’s economic growth has been supported by the addition of large companies and a generally competitive job market.

Climate in Oak Creek

Oak Creek experiences distinct seasons with a climate typical of the Midwest. Summers are warm, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 80°F, while winter temperatures in January can drop to an average low of 18°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city sees moderate annual precipitation, with June being the wettest month.

The city receives an average of 924 mm of precipitation annually, with rainfall spread throughout the year. The wetter season typically runs from late March to early October, with June seeing the most wet days. Sunshine is most abundant in July, offering an average of 10.6 hours of daily sunshine (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education in Oak Creek

School Ratings

Oak Creek is served by the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District, which has consistently performed well. For the 2024-2025 school year, the district received an “Exceeds Expectations” rating, scoring 71.6 on its report card (as reported by Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District). The district has shown improvements in student achievement scores in math and English language arts.

Several Oak Creek public schools are highly rated. Meadowview Elementary School, Carollton Elementary School, and Deerfield Elementary School are among the top-ranked elementary schools (as reported by Niche). The overall testing performance in Oak Creek’s public schools is above the Wisconsin state average for both math and reading proficiency (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Oak Creek

Oak Creek is a growing city with a diverse population. As of 2024, the population was approximately 37,325, making it one of the more populated cities in Wisconsin (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Oak Creek is 39, with a relatively even distribution across age groups.

The racial makeup of Oak Creek is predominantly White, accounting for about 73% of the population, followed by Hispanic (12.2%) and Asian (6.1%) residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The city also has a significant portion of residents who identify as having two or more races. The median household income in 2024 was $96,555 (as reported by Point2Homes).