Is Reedsburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Reedsburg
Reedsburg, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it an appealing place for many to consider a new home. Nestled in the scenic Driftless Area, the city provides access to natural beauty alongside a developing economic landscape. It’s a community that balances a slower pace of life with opportunities for growth and engagement.
For those contemplating a move, understanding the local environment is key. This includes insights into safety, the cost of living, the job market, and the quality of local schools. Reedsburg presents a unique profile that warrants a closer look for potential residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Reedsburg?
When considering a move to Reedsburg, understanding the crime landscape is important for peace of mind. The city’s overall crime rate is reported as 18.09 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by Crime Grade). This rate is considered slightly lower than the average U.S. city, with Reedsburg ranking in the 70th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 70% of cities (as reported by Crime Grade). However, crime rates can vary by neighborhood, with chances of victimization ranging from 1 in 40 in southern areas to 1 in 71 in eastern parts of the city (as reported by Crime Grade).
Violent crime in Reedsburg is reported at approximately 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is about the national average for communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, however, is above the national average, with a rate of 19 per 1,000 population, meaning there is an elevated chance of becoming a victim of property crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). In 2024, Reedsburg recorded 13 violent crimes and 193 property crimes, with corresponding rates of 126.92 and 1,884.21 per 100,000 residents, respectively (as reported by FBI UCR data). These figures suggest that while violent crime is comparable to national averages, vigilance regarding property crime is advisable.
Housing and Living Expenses
For individuals and families considering a move to Reedsburg, understanding the housing market and overall cost of living is essential for financial planning. The median home price in Reedsburg has shown some fluctuation, with recent data indicating a median sale price around $347,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). Other reports place the median home value at approximately $303,020 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow), and another source cites a median home value of $224,342 (as reported by Livability.com). These figures suggest a market where home prices are generally below the national median.
The cost of living in Reedsburg is generally considered to be around the national average, with some sources indicating it is slightly lower. One report states the cost of living is 6% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 18% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Another assessment notes Reedsburg’s cost of living is 11% higher than the national average, driven by housing, transportation, and food costs (as reported by Salary.com). Rental prices offer another perspective, with the average rent for all property types at approximately $1,085 per month (as reported by Zillow), or $953 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com).
The Job Market and Economy
Reedsburg’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to a stable job market for its residents. Major employers in the area include entities such as Lands’ End, a prominent apparel company, and Saputo Cheese USA Inc., a significant player in the dairy industry (as reported by the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce). Other key industrial and manufacturing businesses like Tiberian Block LLC, Primex Plastics Corporation, and Foremost Farms USA also play a crucial role in the local economy (as reported by the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce).
The average salary in Reedsburg is reported to be around $44,000 annually, or approximately $21.15 per hour (as reported by Zippia). Other estimates place the median wage at $45,500 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Reedsburg has generally been low, contributing to a stable employment environment. The city’s economic development initiatives, often involving public-private partnerships, aim to foster business growth and attract new opportunities (as reported by the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Reedsburg experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, offering a varied weather experience throughout the year. Summers are typically long, warm, and wet, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 71°F from late May to mid-September (as reported by Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 61°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 36.9 inches (as reported by US Climate Data).
Winters in Reedsburg are cold, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 38°F from late November to early March (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 12°F and highs of 27°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The area experiences an annual snowfall of approximately 44 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day is higher from late March to early October, with June having the most days with precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and Schooling
For families with children, the quality of local schools is a significant factor in choosing a place to live. Reedsburg School District generally receives positive assessments, holding an overall Niche Grade of B (as reported by Niche). The district serves PK-12 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that approximately 37% of students are proficient in math and 40% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Reedsburg Area High School also garners attention, with an overall Niche Grade of B minus (as reported by Niche). It serves grades 9-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). The school is recognized for its programs, with Niche highlighting it as one of the Best High Schools for Athletes in Wisconsin, ranking it #64 out of 514 (as reported by Niche). The district as a whole is noted for its strong extracurricular activities, earning an A-minus for Clubs & Activities (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community Profile
Reedsburg’s population is approximately 10,168, showing a slight increase from the 2020 census (as reported by Census Dots). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 77.7%, followed by Hispanic at 14.3%, and Multiracial at 4.3% (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic makeup is noted as being about as diverse as Wisconsin overall (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Reedsburg is around 42.3 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Zippia). The majority of residents are U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage being foreign-born (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Reedsburg is approximately $75,028 (as reported by Zippia), with household expenditures averaging around $92,147 per year (as reported by ZoomProspector). Most residents own their homes, contributing to a dense suburban feel within the community (as reported by Livability.com).