Is St. Francis Safe, Pros and cons of living in St. Francis

Is it Safe to Live in St. Francis?

St. Francis, Wisconsin, presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are notably lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 44% below the national average as of 2026 (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). This suggests that St. Francis is safer than a significant majority of major U.S. cities (according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting).

When considering safety, it is important to note the breakdown of crime types. Violent crime rates are 41% lower than the national average, with specific rates for murder, aggravated assault, and robbery also falling below national figures (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). Property crime, while more prevalent than violent crime, is also below the national average, with larceny/theft being the most common offense (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting).

Crime Statistics and Trends

The estimated violent crime rate in St. Francis is 224.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 41% lower than the national average (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). Residents have approximately a 1 in 445 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime annually (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with an estimated rate of 1,317.1 per 100,000 residents, making the chance of becoming a property crime victim about 1 in 76 per year (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting).

While St. Francis is considered safe overall, crime can vary by neighborhood. Researching specific areas within the city is recommended before deciding on a place to live or visit (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). The city has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026, indicating a generally secure environment (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in St. Francis, Wisconsin, is slightly higher than the national average, estimated to be 3% higher (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This suggests that while some expenses might be a bit elevated, the overall financial picture for residents is manageable. The median household income in St. Francis was reported as $57,368 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Housing Costs

As of March 2026, the median home value in St. Francis was $282,497, showing a slight increase of 0.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). However, other sources indicate a median home price of $273,000 as of December 2025, with a year-over-year decrease of 1.9% (as reported by Realtor.com®). This suggests a fluctuating market, but generally stable prices.

The median rent for an apartment in St. Francis is approximately $1,615 as of April 2026 (as reported by RentCafe). This figure represents a 6.27% increase compared to the previous year. For context, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in St. Francis is $1,495, which is 23% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

St. Francis has an unemployment rate of 2.9% (as reported by Point2Homes). This rate indicates a healthy job market where a large portion of the workforce is employed. The average individual income in St. Francis was reported as $46,215 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Major Employers and Salary Information

Specific major employers in St. Francis are not readily available in the provided search results. However, the average annual pay for a “St. Francis” position in Milwaukee, which is nearby, was approximately $47,438 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This salary equates to about $22.81 per hour. The salary range for such positions in Milwaukee can vary significantly, from $26,343 to $63,907, with top earners making up to $83,420 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The median household income in St. Francis is $57,368 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau), with a poverty rate of 16.96% (as reported by Population.com). This median income is a key indicator of the general financial well-being of households within the city.

Climate and Weather

St. Francis, Wisconsin, experiences a climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 18°F to 81°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 0°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season, from June to September, features average daily high temperatures above 70°F.

Temperature and Precipitation

July is the hottest month, with an average high of 80°F and a low of 65°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with an average low of 18°F and a high of 30°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with June typically receiving the most rain at 3.5 inches, while January sees the least at 0.6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Annual precipitation averages 36 inches, with about 47 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

St. Francis has a population of 9,004 residents, with a median age of 54.9 years (as reported by Population.com). The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, at 77.7%, followed by Hispanic at 11.6%, and Black at 6.6% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

School Ratings and Demographics

Information regarding specific school ratings for St. Francis is not detailed in the provided search results. However, the demographic data indicates a mature population, with over 25% of residents being 65 years or older (as reported by Point2Homes). The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in St. Francis

St. Francis offers a blend of positive attributes and potential drawbacks for prospective residents. The city’s safety is a significant advantage, with crime rates considerably lower than the national average (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). This makes it an appealing option for those prioritizing a secure living environment.

Advantages

The generally low crime rate is a primary draw for St. Francis (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting). The city also experiences a relatively stable job market with a low unemployment rate (as reported by Point2Homes). The climate offers distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, which can be appealing to those who enjoy seasonal changes (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Disadvantages

The cost of living in St. Francis is slightly above the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). While home prices have seen some fluctuations, they remain a significant investment (as reported by Zillow, Realtor.com®). Additionally, specific details on school ratings are not readily available, which might be a concern for families with school-aged children.