Is Wind Lake Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wind Lake

Wind Lake, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban convenience and rural tranquility. Situated in Racine County, this community provides residents with access to natural beauty, including numerous lakes, and is within reasonable commuting distance of Milwaukee. It’s a place that appeals to families and professionals seeking a quieter pace of life without being entirely removed from urban amenities.

The town’s character is often described as friendly and peaceful, with a strong sense of community. Many residents appreciate the close proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly the various lakes that are central to the area’s appeal. While Wind Lake provides a serene environment, its location also allows for easy access to the cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment options available in nearby Milwaukee.

Is it Safe to Live in Wind Lake?

Wind Lake is generally considered a safe place to live. Crime rates in Wind Lake are significantly lower than the national average, with property crimes also showing a substantial decrease compared to national figures. The community ranks highly in safety, indicating a low incidence of criminal activity.

Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Wind Lake varies by neighborhood, with some areas being safer than others. However, overall, the town is safer than a large majority of cities across the United States. Crime-related costs are also a small fraction of the median household income, further underscoring the town’s safety profile.

Housing Market and Costs

The housing market in Wind Lake presents a mix of options, with a notable presence of middle-class homes featuring generously sized yards. While there are some areas with older, less-maintained properties, these are typically situated away from the main subdivisions.

As of March 31, 2026, the average home value in Wind Lake was approximately $456,769, showing a 6.3% increase over the past year. The median listing price for homes in Wind Lake is around $499,900, with a price per square foot of $251 (as reported by Realtor.com® and Zillow). The homeownership rate in Wind Lake is 75.4%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Rental costs in Wind Lake are competitive, with the average rent being around $1,800 per month as of March 2026, which is 5% lower than the national average (as reported by Trulia). The rental market is described as “hot,” indicating increasing renter demand compared to the national average (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Employment in Wind Lake has seen a slight decline, with a decrease of approximately 4.16% in the number of employees in recent periods (as reported by Data USA). The most common occupations for residents include management, construction and extraction, and office and administrative support roles.

The average annual salary in Wind Lake is approximately $43,703, translating to about $21.01 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, median household income figures indicate a higher earning potential, with a median of $102,855 (as reported by World Population Review) and $103,988 (as reported by Livability.com).

Major employers in the broader Racine County area, which encompasses Wind Lake, include various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. While specific major employers within Wind Lake itself are not detailed, the proximity to Milwaukee offers access to a diverse job market.

Climate and Weather

Wind Lake experiences a climate characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy, and windy winters. The weather is generally partly cloudy throughout the year.

The warm season typically runs from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 72°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 62°F. 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 14°F and highs of 28°F.

The area experiences significant seasonal snowfall, with the snowiest period occurring from early November to early April. January typically sees the most snow, averaging around 5.1 inches. Average annual rainfall is about 35 inches, and average annual snowfall is around 44 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

The public schools serving Wind Lake generally receive high ratings. Lakeview Elementary School, for instance, is highly rated, with an A+ grade and a 4.95 out of 5 rating (as reported by Niche). It serves students in grades PK-4 and has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.

Other public schools in the vicinity also perform well, with Muskego High School receiving a rating of 3.81 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). The Muskego-Norway School District is recognized for its quality, with Wind Lake being ranked among the best suburbs for public schools in Wisconsin.

Niche rankings, which are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews, place Wind Lake among the top suburbs for public schools in Wisconsin. These rankings consider factors such as state test scores, student-teacher ratios, and overall district quality.

Demographics and Lifestyle

Wind Lake is home to a population of approximately 4,836 residents, with a median age of 50 years (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The community is predominantly White, with 94% of residents identifying as such (as reported by World Population Review).

The majority of residents own their homes, contributing to a rural feel within the community. Many families and young professionals choose to live in Wind Lake, and the residents tend to lean conservative in their political views.

The average commute time for residents is about 32.8 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA). Car ownership is common, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Pros and Cons of Living in Wind Lake

Wind Lake offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere with the advantage of being close to Milwaukee, providing a balanced lifestyle for its residents. The community is considered very safe, with crime rates well below national averages. Its highly-rated public schools are a significant draw for families.

The cost of living in Wind Lake is about 8% higher than the national average, largely driven by housing costs which are 32% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While there are many beautiful homes, the town lacks a local grocery store, requiring residents to travel for some basic amenities.

Residents often praise the friendly community and the abundance of lakes for recreation. However, some reviews note a proliferation of bars and a limited selection of shopping options within the town itself. Finding local employment can also be challenging, often necessitating a commute to nearby areas.