Best Cities for Families in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a middle-of-the-pack state for families, ranking #18 out of 50. With strong schools, a low violent crime rate of 295 per 100K residents, and a median household income of $72,458, the state offers a solid foundation for raising children. Housing costs are notably affordable with a cost-of-living index of 93.

Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Wisconsin shows mixed results on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 90%, above the national average. School quality has been a consistent strength, reflected in an education score of 65/100. Childcare runs $12,376 annually for infants — a meaningful expense but in line with national norms.

Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Wisconsin performs reasonably well, with a violent crime rate below the national average at 295 incidents per 100,000 residents. With a cost-of-living index of 93, household expenses are close to the national norm — neither a major advantage nor a dealbreaker.