Is Whitewater Safe, Pros and cons of living in Whitewater

Whitewater, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-city charm with access to larger metropolitan amenities, making it an attractive location for various individuals and families. The city is situated in the southeastern part of the state, straddling Walworth and Jefferson counties, approximately 37.7 miles from Madison and 43.1 miles from Rockford (as reported by IDcide). This strategic location provides residents with a balance between a tranquil living environment and the conveniences of nearby urban centers.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a significant presence in the city, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere and providing educational and employment opportunities. Whitewater’s history is rooted in its early settlement in 1836, named for the white sand found in its local creeks and brooks (as reported by Wisconsin 101). The city’s growth was further spurred by the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, and it has since evolved into a community that values its historical heritage while embracing modern development.

Is it Safe to Live in Whitewater?

Whitewater’s crime rate presents a nuanced picture. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Whitewater is 1 in 93 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate is higher than 77% of Wisconsin’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, when compared to communities of similar population size, Whitewater’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average, suggesting it is safer than most comparable cities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime in Whitewater occurs at a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants, with the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being 1 in 447 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, which includes motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary, has a rate of 8 per one thousand population, meaning there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of such crimes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). NeighborhoodScout’s analysis, based on FBI crime data, indicates that while Whitewater is not among the safest communities nationwide, its safety profile is more favorable when considering cities of comparable size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Rental Market

The housing market in Whitewater offers a range of options, with the median home value reported at $338,753 as of March 2026, showing a 5.2% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). However, other sources indicate a median home price of $285,000 in March 2026, which was down 9.52% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Another assessment places the median house price at $237,261, noting it is less expensive than the US median (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Rental prices in Whitewater are competitive. The average rent for all property types is approximately $1,200 per month (as reported by Zillow). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $822 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,040 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Whitewater’s rental market is considered more affordable than the national average, with a 3% increase in rent over the past year (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Whitewater’s job market is supported by a diverse range of employers. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a major employer in the city (as reported by Zippia, Indeed). Other significant companies include Lavelle Industries and Schenck AccuRate (as reported by Zippia). The city has also seen historical contributions from manufacturing companies such as the Esterly Manufacturing Company and Winchester, DeWolf & Partridge Manufacturing Company, which played a role in the city’s early growth and the establishment of the railroad (as reported by Wisconsin 101).

The average annual salary in Whitewater is approximately $47,000 per year, or $22.60 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other estimates suggest a median wage of $44,200 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Wisconsin was 3.5% as of March 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment data for Whitewater is not readily available, the state’s rate indicates a generally stable job market.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Whitewater experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by AreaVibes). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 14°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below -6°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by AreaVibes).

The warm season extends from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 71°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 62°F (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 39°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 15°F and highs of 28°F (as reported by AreaVibes). Monthly rainfall varies, with June typically seeing the most rain (around 4.1 inches) and January the least (around 0.5 inches) (as reported by AreaVibes).

Education and School Ratings

Whitewater is served by the Whitewater Unified School District, which has received an overall Niche Grade of B- (as reported by Niche). The district includes several schools, with Washington Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, and Whitewater Middle School serving younger students. Whitewater High School serves students in grades 9-12 and also holds a B- grade (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that 31% of students in the Whitewater Unified School District are proficient in math, and 33% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). Whitewater High School has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, with 27% of students proficient in math and 35% in reading (as reported by Niche). Niche users show significant interest in students attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, along with other state universities like UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee.

Demographics and Population Trends

Whitewater has an estimated population of 15,807 as of 2024, making it the 57th most populated city in Wisconsin out of 808 cities (as reported by Wisconsin Demographics). The city’s population is projected to reach 16,273 in 2026, assuming a consistent annual growth rate (as reported by Wisconsin Demographics). The median age in Whitewater is notably young, at 22.1 years (as reported by Wisconsin Demographics).

The racial makeup of Whitewater is predominantly White, accounting for 80.1% of the population, followed by Hispanic (10.3%), and Black (3.1%) (as reported by Wisconsin Demographics). The median household income in Whitewater was $54,969 in 2024 (as reported by Wisconsin Demographics). However, approximately 7.2% of Whitewater families live below the poverty line (as reported by Wisconsin Demographics).