Waukesha 82 Exceptional
Waukesha Livability #41 ranked city in Wisconsin#937 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Waukesha

PROS
  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

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What's it like Living in Waukesha?

Located in the state of Wisconsin, Waukesha is a medium-sized city with a population of 72,419 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 87% of Waukesha residents are White, 3% Black and 3% Asian.

Are you trying to decide if living in Waukesha is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Wisconsin, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Waukesha and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Waukesha to Wisconsin and the national average.

Using data and statistics Waukesha has received a livability score of 81/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Waukesha is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Waukesha also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we know that Waukesha ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A-), education (B-), employment (B) and housing (A). On a more negative note, Waukesha does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Waukesha shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 100 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

The Waukesha unemployment rate of 2.18% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Waukesha apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Waukesha is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Waukesha come in at $223,600, which is 33.9% higher than the Wisconsin average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waukesha, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 9.7% higher than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waukesha

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Waukesha?

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Compare Waukesha, WI Livability

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      Waukesha transportation information

      Statistic Waukesha Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute22min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.0%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.0%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.8%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home4.7%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Waukesha, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).