10 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin (2026 Rankings)

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Rankings: 10 Best Places in Wisconsin

Whitefish Bay, WI

How do you rate Whitefish Bay?

Situated near Lake Michigan, Whitefish Bay is one of Milwaukee’s most sought-after suburbs. It's known for its strong schools, safe streets, and a walkable core along Silver Spring Drive. Lake Drive corridor, Cumberland Forest, an...

91/100

Safety Score

Why is Whitefish Bay safe?

Personal Safety : 97

Personal Safety: 97/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

50%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 79

Property Safety: 79/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

200%

Larceny

30.71%

Motor Vehicle Theft

11.11%

Arson

Theft From Building

16.67%

Community Safety : 85

Community Safety: 85/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

28.57%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

32.26%

Weapon Law Violations

44.44%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

34.29%

Home Prices in Whitefish Bay

$603,750

Median Home Rent

$1,560

Homes for Sale in Whitefish Bay Link

(View 40 homes)

Brookfield, WI

How do you rate Brookfield?

Brookfield is one of Wisconsin’s most desirable suburbs for families, thanks to its low crime rates, strong schools, and stable local economy. The city offers quiet residential neighborhoods, well-maintained streets, and a comfort...

74/100

Safety Score

Why is Brookfield safe?

Personal Safety : 82

Personal Safety: 82/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

400%

Robbery

72.73%

Aggravated Assault

30.43%

Kidnapping / Abduction

150%

Property Safety : 63

Property Safety: 63/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

55.56%

Larceny

264

33.5%

Motor Vehicle Theft

23.81%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

20.24%

Community Safety : 58

Community Safety: 58/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

106

32.5%

Stolen Property Offenses

42.86%

Vandalism

20.31%

Weapon Law Violations

20%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

161

9.04%

Home Prices in Brookfield

$495,000

Median Home Rent

$2,272

Homes for Sale in Brookfield Link

(View 145 homes)

Madison, WI

How do you rate Madison?

Madison, Wisconsin’s capital and home to UW–Madison, sits between Lakes Mendota and Monona. It blends scenic charm with lively college energy, and has a strong tech, healthcare, and research job base. Popular neighborhoods include...

51/100

Safety Score

Why is Madison safe?

Personal Safety : 50

Personal Safety: 50/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

42.86%

Rape

35.53%

Robbery

13.68%

Aggravated Assault

517

6.85%

Kidnapping / Abduction

101

31.17%

Property Safety : 43

Property Safety: 43/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

364

19.11%

Larceny

4,304

5.16%

Motor Vehicle Theft

239

25.08%

Arson

Theft From Building

572

12.67%

Community Safety : 67

Community Safety: 67/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

1,050

4.2%

Stolen Property Offenses

9.09%

Vandalism

1,058

13.06%

Weapon Law Violations

187

15.77%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

428

16.41%

Home Prices in Madison

$453,500

Median Home Rent

$1,650

Homes for Sale in Madison Link

(View 893 homes)

Kohler, WI

How do you rate Kohler?

Kohler offers a small-town lifestyle shaped by luxury, privacy, and design. It is famous for the American Club Resort and championship golf at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Kohler Village, Blackwolf Run neighborhoods, and h...

89/100

Safety Score

Why is Kohler safe?

Personal Safety : 100

Personal Safety: 100/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 57

Property Safety: 57/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

Larceny

36.51%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

50%

Community Safety : 82

Community Safety: 82/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

100%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

16.67%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

25%

Home Prices in Kohler

$300,000

Median Home Rent

$1,999

Homes for Sale in Kohler Link

(View 17 homes)

Eau Claire, WI

How do you rate Eau Claire?

Eau Claire offers a balanced lifestyle shaped by arts, outdoor recreation, and affordability. Known as the “Music Capital of the North,” the city has a strong local music scene, vibrant downtown districts, and plenty of local rest...

49/100

Safety Score

Why is Eau Claire safe?

Personal Safety : 59

Personal Safety: 59/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

19.05%

Robbery

28.57%

Aggravated Assault

18.18%

Kidnapping / Abduction

25%

Property Safety : 35

Property Safety: 35/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

107

40.88%

Larceny

1,115

0.71%

Motor Vehicle Theft

19.72%

Arson

66.67%

Theft From Building

33.33%

Community Safety : 36

Community Safety: 36/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

682

3.65%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

23.21%

Weapon Law Violations

217

43.71%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

731

49.8%

Home Prices in Eau Claire

$285,000

Median Home Rent

$973

Homes for Sale in Eau Claire Link

(View 294 homes)

Appleton, WI

How do you rate Appleton?

Appleton offers a family-friendly lifestyle shaped by safety, affordability, and a strong sense of community. The city is known for its welcoming Midwest atmosphere, quality schools, and lively downtown scene. Areas like North App...

56/100

Safety Score

Why is Appleton safe?

Personal Safety : 54

Personal Safety: 54/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

14.63%

Robbery

28.57%

Aggravated Assault

16.19%

Kidnapping / Abduction

50%

Property Safety : 63

Property Safety: 63/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

65.22%

Larceny

586

31.86%

Motor Vehicle Theft

46.81%

Arson

50%

Theft From Building

109

7.92%

Community Safety : 44

Community Safety: 44/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

503

21.53%

Stolen Property Offenses

33.33%

Vandalism

319

20.05%

Weapon Law Violations

22.41%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

531

11.09%

Home Prices in Appleton

$285,000

Median Home Rent

$1,400

Homes for Sale in Appleton Link

(View 363 homes)

Green Bay, WI

How do you rate Green Bay?

Home to the Green Bay Packers, Green Bay offers an affordable lifestyle supported by a stable economy and strong community culture. Major industries like healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and paper production provide steady jo...

34/100

Safety Score

Why is Green Bay safe?

Personal Safety : 30

Personal Safety: 30/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

23.53%

Robbery

14.29%

Aggravated Assault

345

19.77%

Kidnapping / Abduction

6.56%

Property Safety : 52

Property Safety: 52/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

25%

Larceny

886

12.62%

Motor Vehicle Theft

184

31.09%

Arson

Theft From Building

110

48.11%

Community Safety : 19

Community Safety: 19/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

930

4.73%

Stolen Property Offenses

29.41%

Vandalism

615

20.75%

Weapon Law Violations

214

20.22%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

845

12.98%

Home Prices in Green Bay

$260,000

Median Home Rent

$1,119

Homes for Sale in Green Bay Link

(View 595 homes)

La Crosse, WI

How do you rate La Crosse?

Located near the Mississippi river, La Crosse feels like a postcard come to life. It’s a regional hub for healthcare and education, led by Gundersen Health and Mayo Clinic Health System, and three universities. Historic Downtown, ...

26/100

Safety Score

Why is La Crosse safe?

Personal Safety : 27

Personal Safety: 27/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

26.19%

Robbery

38.46%

Aggravated Assault

161

8.05%

Kidnapping / Abduction

27.78%

Property Safety : 16

Property Safety: 16/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

145

0.69%

Larceny

1,532

8.1%

Motor Vehicle Theft

19.28%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

199

17.08%

Community Safety : 14

Community Safety: 14/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

452

17.4%

Stolen Property Offenses

12.5%

Vandalism

474

106.09%

Weapon Law Violations

22.73%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

453

4.03%

Home Prices in La Crosse

$257,500

Median Home Rent

$1,023

Homes for Sale in La Crosse Link

(View 698 homes)

Milwaukee, WI

How do you rate Milwaukee?

Wisconsin's largest city, Milwaukee, is a major economic hub, anchored by finance, manufacturing, and tech jobs. It is known as "Brew City", and offers urban culture with lakefront living. Milwaukee has world-class museums, vibran...

6/100

Safety Score

Why is Milwaukee safe?

Personal Safety : 2

Personal Safety: 2/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

131

3.68%

Rape

278

31.36%

Robbery

1,143

34.91%

Aggravated Assault

4,402

24.33%

Kidnapping / Abduction

180

28%

Property Safety : 8

Property Safety: 8/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

1,722

22.4%

Larceny

5,753

19.15%

Motor Vehicle Theft

4,473

25.41%

Arson

153

16.39%

Theft From Building

836

22.74%

Community Safety : 14

Community Safety: 14/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

5,071

12.87%

Stolen Property Offenses

469

8.4%

Vandalism

4,297

21.33%

Weapon Law Violations

3,687

24.23%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

1,082

5.67%

Home Prices in Milwaukee

$231,000

Median Home Rent

$1,219

Homes for Sale in Milwaukee Link

(View 2,530 homes)

#10

Racine, WI

How do you rate Racine?

Racine offers an affordable lakeside lifestyle along the shores of Lake Michigan, positioned between Milwaukee and Chicago. Known for its historic character and lower-than-average cost of living, the city combines everyday afforda...

33/100

Safety Score

Why is Racine safe?

Personal Safety : 28

Personal Safety: 28/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

50%

Rape

8.7%

Robbery

36.73%

Aggravated Assault

182

3.19%

Kidnapping / Abduction

21.05%

Property Safety : 37

Property Safety: 37/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

255

64.52%

Larceny

554

4.32%

Motor Vehicle Theft

130

10.34%

Arson

Theft From Building

64%

Community Safety : 34

Community Safety: 34/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

511

5.02%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

394

2.96%

Weapon Law Violations

184

28.68%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

175

22.57%

Home Prices in Racine

$219,000

Median Home Rent

$1,175

Homes for Sale in Racine Link

(View 686 homes)

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Wisconsin

Top 3 Best Places to Retire in Wisconsin

Top 3 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin for Families

Top 3 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin for Young Adults

Best Affordable Places to Live in Wisconsin

Wisconsin includes several communities offering lower housing costs and more manageable living expenses while keeping residents close to jobs and services. Here are some of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin. These locations are ideal for individuals or families seeking value without sacrificing access to opportunities.

City	Median Home Price	Median Rent	Cost of Living vs. State Avg.	Affordability Score
Antigo	$134,000	$725	12% lower	8.5/10
Marinette	$182,000	$1,078	8% lower	7.8/10
Prairie Du Chien	$224,000	$805	6% lower	7.4/10
Beloit	$202,500	$1,120	5% lower	7.2/10
Racine	$220,000	$1,175	3% lower	6.9/10

Safest Places to Live in Wisconsin

Safety is a top priority for those choosing a home in Wisconsin. The following communities consistently report some of the lowest levels of violent and property crime in the state, according to the latest data. From quiet villages to well-policed suburbs, these areas are among the safest places to live in Wisconsin. Our safety evaluations rely on the most recent available data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Crime rates are analyzed per 1,000 residents, accounting for major offenses such as assault, theft, and burglary. This standardized approach ensures a clear view of community security across the Badger State.

Barron

86/100

Score

Safest Safest

New Berlin

85/100

Score

Safest Safest

Menomonee Falls

80/100

Score

Safest Safest

Holmen

75/100

Score

Safest Safest

Sun Prairie

69/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the best places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where income levels align more favorably with housing costs, employment conditions remain stable, and overall affordability is stronger relative to the state baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wisconsin a good place to live?

Yes, Wisconsin is a good place to live thanks to its affordable housing, stable job market, and strong sense of community. The state balances vibrant cities with scenic lakes, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming Midwest lifestyle.

Is Wisconsin a good place to retire?

Yes, Wisconsin is a good place to retire because it offers high-quality healthcare, a reasonable cost of living, and active communities. Many retirees enjoy the state’s lakeside settings and four-season recreation.

What are the largest cities in Wisconsin?

The largest cities in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. These cities serve as economic and cultural hubs with diverse neighborhoods, strong employment sectors, and access to major amenities.

What is it like to live in Wisconsin?

Living in Wisconsin means experiencing all four seasons, a strong community spirit, and easy access to lakes and outdoor activities. Life here balances work opportunities with recreation, festivals, and a relaxed Midwestern lifestyle.

Is Wisconsin a safe place to live?

Wisconsin is generally a safe place to live, with many communities reporting low crime rates. Suburbs and smaller cities such as New Berlin and Menomonee Falls consistently rank among the safest areas in the state.

How many cities are in Wisconsin?

There are 190 incorporated cities in Wisconsin. In addition to cities, the state also includes villages and towns, which are separate legal classifications.

What should first-time buyers know before purchasing a home in Wisconsin?

Knowing how to buy a house in Wisconsin starts with exploring the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority's programs, which offer down payment assistance and low-interest mortgages for eligible first-time buyers. Markets like Brookfield and Madison move quickly, so getting pre-approved and working with a local agent familiar with your target city is essential.

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Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.