Living in Wisconsin

#36 in population growth

Should you move to Wisconsin?

Wisconsin, the Badger State, is a place of friendly people, diverse landscapes, and a deep love for cheese and beer. Known for its dairy industry, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant sporting scene, Wisconsin offers a welcoming and community-oriented lifestyle.

Wisconsin’s economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, with a special emphasis on dairy farming. Its major cities, such as Milwaukee and Madison, offer an attractive mix of urban development and cultural attractions, from the Harley-Davidson Museum to the annual Summerfest music festival.

Living in Wisconsin offers a variety of experiences. From sailing on Lake Michigan, hiking in the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest, exploring the bustling farmers markets, or cheering on the Packers in Green Bay, Wisconsin’s appeal lies in its balance of outdoor adventure and cultural enrichment. Education is highly prioritized, with strong public schools and renowned universities like the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

If you’re seeking a state that values community, nature, and a hard-working, yet fun-loving spirit, Wisconsin could be your perfect destination. Just be prepared for cold winters and the state’s fondness for cheese and bratwurst!

#20 in population

Population

5,892,539

National Avg 6,652,315

#26 in population

Population Per Square Mile

109

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

Firstandsold.com is audience-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more

How Does Wisconsin Score?

B
Home Affordability
B
Cost of Living
D
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in Wisconsin

Climate

How Does Wisconsin Compare?

#34
in Sunny Days
#34
in Annual Rainfall
#12
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#21

How Does Wisconsin Compare?

#21
in Healthcare
#31
in Available Beds
#19
in Doctors Per Resident

2

Children's Hospitals

0

VA Medical Centers

26

VA Clinics

Wisconsin Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#23

How Does Wisconsin Compare?

#23
in Cost of Living
#31
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#22
in Living Wage

Wisconsin State Taxes

Where are the Best Places in America?

All the best places in the US ranging from most affluent to best for singles.

Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to Wisconsin? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in Wisconsin

#5

Wisconsin School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #4 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

70%

Proficient or Above

33%

Ranked #9 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

72%

Proficient or Above

32%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
92.9%
Bachelors Degree
31.5%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know Wisconsin

State Capital

Madison

Area Codes

262, 274, 414, 534, 608, 715, 920

Time Zone

Central Time Zone

Number of Counties

72

Land Area (square miles)

54,167

Motto

Forward

State Bird

Robin

Housing

#16
#16 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$231,300

National $440,300

#18 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$916

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$578

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

2,401,818

Persons Per Household

2.39

Rent vs Own

Own 67.4%
Rent 32.6%

Economy

#24 in household income

Median Household Income

67,080

National $70,784

#11 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
66%
Poverty Rate
10.8%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$48,477,876

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$13,496,307

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$15,551,340

Per Capita Retail Sales

15,840

Counties

Diversity

#39
White alone
86.6%
Black or African American alone
6.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
1.2%
Asian alone
3.2%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.1%
Two or More Races
2.2%
Hispanic or Latino
7.6%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
80.1%

Foreign Born Persons

5%

Veterans

315815

Persons Under 5 years
5.3%
Persons Under 18 years
21.1%
Persons 65 years and over
18.7%

Is Diversity essential?

Find culture and diversity in the Most Diverse Places in the US.

Keep reading

Monthly real estate tips, advice, and information.

Buy first, sell after.

Let us know the best way for a home advisor to reach you.

By submitting this form you agree that First&Sold may call/text/email you about your inquiry or for marketing, informational and related purposes. Message/data rates may apply. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

We're excited to hear from you.

Let us know how to reach you and one of our friendly home specialist will reach out to you shortly.

By submitting this form you agree that First&Sold may call/text/email you about your inquiry or for marketing, informational and related purposes. Message/data rates may apply. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

The next step is a sold sign

Let us know the best way for a home advisor to contact you.

By submitting this form you agree that First&Sold may call/text/email you about your inquiry or for marketing, informational and related purposes. Message/data rates may apply. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Take the First Step on your real estate journey

Tell us the best way for a home advisor to reach you.

Read how we protect your information in the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Speak to an advisor

Enter your information and a home advisor will reach out to you shortly.

By submitting this form you agree that First&Sold may call/text/email you about your inquiry or for marketing, informational and related purposes. Message/data rates may apply. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy