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Moving. Simplified.
Is moving to Wisconsin right for you?
If you like cheese curd and frozen custard or you’d love to enjoy fresh meals from farm to table, moving to Wisconsin will be a great idea.
Wisconsin is home to 47 state parks, 84,000 river miles, 13 state forests, 15,000 lakes, and 76 state wildlife areas making it the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you’d like to live in a state with a low property and violent crime rate below the national average, moving to Wisconsin is perfect for you.
Housing costs in Wisconsin are below the national average, commuting time is shorter than the national average and the state’s job market is vibrant.
If all of that sounds like what you’d like to be a part of, moving to Wisconsin is perfect for you.
This guide contains all the information you need about moving to Wisconsin in order to make the right decision.
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is home to 5.88 million people and is the 23rd most densely populated state in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the state’s population:
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If the weather is on your checklist of things to consider before moving to Wisconsin, here’s a quick breakdown of the state’s weather:
In Wisconsin, the average one-way commute time is 22.0 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. Shorter commuting time means less stress on the road and a longer lifespan. Shorter commuting time is one of the key perks of moving to Wisconsin:
Moving to Wisconsin sounds so appealing for several key reasons. The state is known for so many remarkable and exciting things. Here are the top 10 reasons why people are moving to Wisconsin:
Wisconsin is predominantly a dairy state and this contributes to the production of the best cheese in the country. In addition, the state also boasts of the best beer in the US. Milwaukee, the capital is also nicknamed as ‘Brew City’ for its rich brewing history. Some of the iconic beer brands are brewed in Wisconsin.
The average cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than the national average, which means everything ranging from housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and groceries are cheaper in the state.
In Wisconsin, you have great chances of owning a home as the median home price is $188,100, much lower than the national average of $284,600. Even the home rent is lower than the neighboring states. The average rent of a studio apartment in Wisconsin is $588 while the average rent of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Wisconsin is $1,137.
Wisconsin has a strong sports culture and the state is crazy about American football, basketball, and baseball. The professional teams in the state have won many league championships.
In Wisconsin, people need a reason to celebrate. And maybe that’s the reason for the unlimited festivals in the state. Music concerts by the lakeside, wine and harvest festivals by the farm, and summer festivals in pleasant weather—festivals are just as much a part of Wisconsin.
We’ve got a list of the popular festivals in Wisconsin that reflect the real state culture.
From stunning sea caves to towering waterfalls, Wisconsin is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders. Beautiful coastlines, untouched landscapes, and historic settings – Wisconsin boast of the best scenic settings in the country.
Here’s a list of the best natural attractions in Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks high in education at the national level. The state has some of the country’s top-notch schools and colleges.
Blessed with serene natural surroundings and amazing fun factors to engage in, Wisconsin never lets you get bored. Some of the amazing places to visit in Wisconsin include:
In Wisconsin, summer is sweeter with every park turning into an art fair. The summer is hot and humid but the temperature hardly crosses 90°F. And this makes summer the great season to explore unlimited outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and rafting.
With 15,000 inland lakes, more than 33,000 miles of rivers and streams, two Great Lakes, and the Mississippi River, Wisconsin has more water than even Minnesota. And that makes fishing, boating, and swimming in fresh water a routine job in summer.
Considering the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin will make it easier for you to decide if moving to the state is right for you or not. We’ve listed the pros and cons of living in Wisconsin to give you a head start:
Wisconsin is home to several beautiful cities. Moving to Wisconsin means getting the chance to live in any of these beautiful cities. Here are the top ten best places to live in Wisconsin to help you streamline your house hunting:
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fox Point | 6,650 | 1.0% | $325,700 |
| 2 | Whitefish Bay | 13,972 | 2.2% | $387,000 |
| 3 | Elm Grove | 6,153 | 1.6% | $370,500 |
| 4 | Cedarburg | 11,527 | 1.6% | $303,500 |
| 5 | Oregon | 10,353 | 1.3% | $256,500 |
| 6 | Mount Horeb | 7,449 | 1.3% | $262,900 |
| 7 | Hartland | 9,268 | 1.0% | $292,500 |
| 8 | Middleton | 19,487 | 2.5% | $336,900 |
| 9 | Mcfarland | 8,650 | 3.1% | $249,200 |
| 10 | Waunakee | 13,730 | 2.5% | $346,300 |
Wisconsin’s cost of living is 90.9. The United States average is 100. That means the average cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than the United States average making it appealing to many millennials and young families.
Here’s a breakdown of some items that make up the cost of living in Wisconsin:
| Cost of living | Wisconsin | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90.9 | 100 |
| Grocery | 94.7 | 100 |
| Health | 100.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 81.4 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $188,100 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | 99 | 100 |
| Transportation | 86.9 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 99 | 100 |
Similar to several other states, healthcare cost is rated among the top things to consider before moving to Wisconsin. To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s the average monthly cost of a Silver health plan in Wisconsin:
| Family size | Average monthly cost of health plan |
|---|---|
| Individual plus child | $851 |
| Couple, age 40 | $1,065 |
| Family of three (adult couple and a child) | $1,384 |
| Family of four (adult couple and two children) | $1,703 |
| Family of five (adult couple and three children) | $2,022 |
Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Wisconsin, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
If education cost is one of the key things you’d like to be aware of before making up your mind to move to Wisconsin, we’ve collated key data about education costs in the state. Since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin, here’s the average cost of college education in the state:
| Cost | Undergraduate | Graduate | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| Tuition & Fees | $6,308 | $11,681 | $9,348 | $18,833 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,216 | $1,216 | ||
| Room & Board | $12,214 | $12,214 | ||
| COA | $19,739 | $25,111 | $22,778 | $32,263 |
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Start My Quote NowHousing is a key factor to mull over before making up your mind about moving to Wisconsin. Home affordability is high in Wisconsin and the state has more homeowners than renters. However, renting or buying a home are both good options if you’re moving to Wisconsin.
Wisconsin median home price is $188,100. The United States median home price is $284,600. Over the last ten years, homes in Wisconsin have appreciated by 17.2%. Currently, home values in Wisconsin have increased by 6.6%.
Renting a home is a suitable housing option if you’re moving to Wisconsin. Renters in Wisconsin make up 28.1% of the state’s population. About 1.5% of homes and apartments in Wisconsin are available to rent. Here’s a breakdown of the average home rental cost in Wisconsin:
If you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Wisconsin, we have key data about the state’s job market. Check out the data below about Wisconsin’s job market:
| Employment Information | Wisconsin | United States |
|---|---|---|
| The income per Cap | $30,557 | $31,177 |
| Household Income | $56,759 | $57,652 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.40% | 3.70% |
| Recent Job Growth | 0.75% | 1.59% |
| Future Job Growth | 33.61% | 33.51% |
If moving to Wisconsin means starting a new job, you’ll most likely be interested in the average salary and income in the state. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary and income in Wisconsin:
Moving to Wisconsin means you’ll get the chance to work in some of the largest companies in the state. The largest companies in Wisconsin are also the top employers in the state. Here’s a list of the top ten largest companies in Wisconsin:
| Rank | Company | City | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ACS Group | New Berlin | 210,345 |
| 2 | Johnson Controls | Milwaukee | 121,000 |
| 3 | Kohl’s | Menomonee Falls | 85,000 |
| 4 | Tyco International Plc | Glendale | 69,000 |
| 5 | Menards | Eau Claire | 40,000 |
| 6 | Aurora Sinai Medical Center | Milwaukee | 33,000 |
| 7 | Kohler Co. | Kohler | 32,000 |
| 8 | ManpowerGroup | Milwaukee | 30,000 |
| 9 | Fiserv | Brookfield | 23,000 |
| 10 | Ashley Furniture Industries | Arcadia | 22,582 |
If you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Wisconsin, you’ll most likely be interested in the city’s job market. Moving to any of the cities with the hottest job markets in the state means your chances of getting a job is higher.
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate | Average Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mequon | 2.18% | $178,759 |
| 2 | New Berlin | 2.73% | $103,991 |
| 3 | Brookfield | 2.84% | $145,936 |
| 4 | Menomonee Falls Village | 2.5% | $105,077 |
| 5 | Waunakee Village | 3.27% | $121,280 |
| 6 | Wauwatosa | 2.64% | $100,560 |
| 7 | Sussex Village | 2.07% | $98,376 |
| 8 | Pewaukee | 2.25% | $128,922 |
| 9 | Germantown Village | 2.85% | $104,326 |
| 10 | Harrison Village | 0.5% | $104,144 |
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Start My Quote NowIf you’re interested in getting a new job after moving to Wisconsin, we’ve made a list of the top career options in the state. Check out the list below:
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary | # Of People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obstetricians And Gynecologists | $274,410 | $177,430 | 220 |
| 2 | Pediatricians, General | $258,850 | $175,350 | 450 |
| 3 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $253,900 | $177,720 | 510 |
| 4 | Family Medicine Physicians | $251,710 | $138,600 | 1,200 |
| 5 | Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $246,060 | $113,650 | 8,280 |
| 6 | Anesthesiologists | $242,770 | $45,660 | 410 |
| 7 | Nurse Anesthetists | $233,600 | $171,750 | 760 |
| 8 | Dentists, General | $207,350 | $111,970 | 1,730 |
| 9 | Psychiatrists | $202,240 | $80,010 | 460 |
| 10 | Orthodontists | $186,850 | $92,830 | 100 |
Wisconsin is home to several large industries. These include some of the largest industries in America. Moving to Wisconsin would open up several business and job opportunities across the state. We’ve listed the major industries in the state since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin:
How much will you end up paying in taxes if you’re moving to Wisconsin? Depending on where you’re moving from, you may end up paying more or less by moving to Wisconsin.
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For example, Wisconsin has the eighth-highest average effective property tax rate in the county. Also, Winsocnins has a progressive state income tax. Here’s a breakdown of Wisconsin taxes:
There’s never a dull moment in Wisconsin. There are lots of remarkable attractions and exciting activities to enjoy in the state. Since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin, here are the best things to do in the state:
A natural limestone cave near Blue Mounds, the Cave of the Mounds is a National Natural Landmark and is promoted as the "jewel box" of major American caves. Open year-round, the cave will guide you past a stunning array of colorful crystal formations on paved lighted walkways.
Interstate, Wisconsin’s oldest state park is on the Minnesota–Wisconsin border and comprises two adjacent state parks. The Wisconsin park is 1,330 acres and the Minnesota park is 298 acres. The park contains numerous wetland areas and encircles Lake O' the Dalles. Winter Recreation Trails are multi-use trails and are open to snowshoeing, hiking, pets, and cross country skiing.
Washington Avenue Historic District or the historic center of Cedarburg is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is ranked as a favorite small-town getaway by visitors. Just a 20-minute drive away from Milwaukee, it provides the perfect setting for a day of antiquing and shopping.
Situated in Madison, the Wisconsin State Capitol houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature along with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor. Apart from the historic legislative buildings, there are beautiful streets around with shops and restaurants.
The 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison features stunning landscapes and Midwest-hardy plants. There is also a sunken garden with an eighty-foot reflecting pool and a perennial garden with a meandering stream. The year-round tropical Bolz Conservatory, a sunny 50-foot-high glass pyramid, houses ferns, palms, and flowering plants along with a waterfall, birds, and fish.
The National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon displays the collection of locomotives and rolling stock spanning more than a century of railroading. There is also an 80-foot (24 m) wooden observation tower with views of the Fox River and Green Bay.
A group of 22 islands in Lake Superior, 12 miles off the mainland coast, Apostle Islands has more lighthouses than any other site in the National Park System with 9 historic towers on 6 islands. More than 240 species of birds breed in and/or migrate through this archipelago. Clearwater, underwater rock formations and fascinating shipwrecks combine to provide outstanding scuba diving opportunities.
The lakefront art museum has about 25,000 artworks on display. The 4-floor museum exhibits 15th- to 20th-century European and 17th- to 20th-century American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, decorative arts, photographs, and folk and self-taught art.
An annual air show, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is held each summer at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Almost 6000,000 people including 3,000 international visitors attend the show every year, in which approximately 10,000 aircraft, 2,979 show planes participate.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the celebrated American architect has designed and built about 150 buildings in his home state Wisconsin, including his childhood home and about a dozen among them are open to the public. Some of the houses to explore in Wisconsin to appreciate the architectural beauty include:
The 1,300-acre Minocqua Lake with an average depth of 23 feet is a major attraction in Wisconsin. The lake and its surroundings are famous for fishing, biking, trailing, swimming, and water skiing.
The 250-mile Wisconsin Great River Road from Prescott in the north to Kieler in the south offers myriad birdwatching and other outdoor opportunities while it passes through protected land. A drive through the road is the best way to catch up with the breathtaking scenery of Wisconsin. The ride also gives access to excellent hiking, fishing, and boating options.
Similar to all other states, safety is always a key metric to mull over before moving to Wisconsin. We have collated key data about crime rates in the state to make it easier for you to make a fair comparison with other states.
If you’re interested in living in the safest cities after moving to Oregon, we have a list of the ten safest cities in Beaver State.
| Rank | City | Population | Violent Crimes Per 100k | Property Crimes Per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oconomowoc Town, WI | 8,741 | 34 | 194 |
| 2 | Waterford Town, WI | 6,505 | 0 | 368 |
| 3 | Muskego, WI | 25,224 | 19 | 336 |
| 4 | Grand Rapids, WI | 7,405 | 40 | 297 |
| 5 | Cottage Grove, WI | 7,203 | 41 | 305 |
| 6 | Hobart-Lawrence, WI | 15,460 | 51 | 284 |
| 7 | Geneva Town, WI | 5,045 | 39 | 376 |
| 8 | Waupun, WI | 11,315 | 26 | 547 |
| 9 | Mukwonago Town, WI | 8,167 | 61 | 61 |
| 10 | Cedarburg, WI | 11,548 | 17 | 770 |
Wisconsin is home to some of the best universities, colleges, elementary, middle, and high schools in the country.
Since you’re considering moving to Wisconsin, here’s a list of the best schools in the state:
Swallow Elementary School
Swallow Elementary School, Public, PK-8 | 521 students, Rating: 10/10
Merton Primary School
Merton Community School District, Public, PK-4 | 432 students, Rating: 10/10
Prairie View Elementary School
Mukwonago School District, Public, PK-6 | 343 students, Rating: 10/10
Mill Valley Elementary School
Muskego-Norway School District, Public, PK-4 | 373 students, Rating: 10/10
Lakeview Elementary School
Neenah Joint School District, Public, PK-5 | 388 students, Rating: 10/10
Swallow Elementary School
Swallow Elementary School, Public, PK-8 | 521 students, Rating: 10/10
Mineral Point Middle School
Mineral Point Unified School District, Public, 6-8 | 165 students, Rating: 10/10
Oostburg Middle School
Oostburg School District, Public, 6-8 | 242 students, Rating: 10/10
Sevastopol Junior High School
Sevastopol School District, Public, 6-8 | 127 students, Rating: 10/10
Winneconne Middle School
Winneconne Community School District, Public, 6-8 | 367 students, Rating: 10/10
Cedarburg High School
Cedarburg School District, Public, 9-12 | 1090 students, Rating: 10/10
Alma High School
Alma School District, Public, 9-12 | 70 students, Rating: 10/10
Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy
Waukesha School District, Charter, 9-12 | 185 students, Rating: 10/10
Kohler High School
Kohler School District, Public, 9-12 | 221 students, Rating: 10/10
Marathon High School
Marathon City School District, Public, 9-12 | 0 students, Rating: 10/10
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - La Crosse, WI
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire - Eau Claire, WI
Beloit College - Beloit, WI
Lawrence University - Appleton, WI
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater - Whitewater, WI
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Stevens Point, WI
College of Menominee Nation - Keshena, WI
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - Oshkosh, WI
University of Wisconsin-River Falls - River Falls, WI
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