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Is Brookfield a Good Place to Live? Brookfield, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Brookfield ranks #34 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #7 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191) and low poverty (3.2%, #5 of 208), and trails on high rents ($1,886/mo, #189 of 208) and expensive homes ($443,900, #172 of 208).
Brookfield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Brookfield's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Brookfield?
Brookfield's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,886/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $528,294, 56% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Brookfield | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 96.9#538 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $528,294#867 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,237/mo#815 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $443,900#878 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,886/mo#1030 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.5%#197 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Brookfield housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Brookfield is in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Brookfield safe?
Brookfield recorded 63 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 74% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #52 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brookfield Police Department. Property crime runs 796 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Brookfield | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 63#52 of 1,085 | 240 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 796#138 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Brookfield?
The median household in Brookfield earns $129,548, 56% above the US figure of $83,163 and 67% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Brookfield | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $129,548#110 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 3.2%#23 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Brookfield?
The median resident of Brookfield is 43.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 64.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #92 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 82.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Brookfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 43.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 64.3%#92 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 82.8% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Brookfield's schools and health?
Brookfield's 7 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 16 students per teacher and $13,987 spent per pupil. 30.9% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Brookfield | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 98%#2 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16#634 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,987#706 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 30.9%#449 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 11.4%#11 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 4.6%#42 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,461 students are enrolled in Brookfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Brookfield?
The average commute in Brookfield is 20.7 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 21.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Brookfield scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.1°F and winters 23°F, with 35.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Brookfield | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 20.7 min#395 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72.1% | 75.1% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 1.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 21.5% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27.7 | 12.2 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 31.5 | 15 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 42.4 | 24.6 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 54.3 | 34.8 | 3.7 |
| May | 66.5 | 46.6 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 76.6 | 55.9 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 81.2 | 61.4 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 79.2 | 60.2 | 4 |
| Sep | 72.2 | 51.3 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 59.4 | 40.2 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 45.1 | 28.5 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 33.1 | 18.7 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brookfield Wwtp.
| Measure | Brookfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 46.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 69.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 23°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 35.9 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brookfield Wwtp.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Brookfield?
Waukesha County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Waukesha County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Brookfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 10#859 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#118 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Waukesha County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Waukesha County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0053% | 71% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0095% | 53% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Brookfield compare with similar-size cities?
Brookfield is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #7 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 41,273.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #34 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 | 20.7 min |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #137 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 | 30.3 min |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #915 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 | 18.7 min |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #326 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 | 24.3 min |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #535 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 | 21.8 min |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #307 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 | 15.5 min |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #327 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 | 14 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 min |
| Waipahu, HIPop. 40,482 | #472 | 58.6 | $103,895 | $1,658/mo | no data | 32.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Brookfield compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Brookfield ranks #1 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 71.8 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 67% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% above the typical Wisconsin home.
| City | Rank in WI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #1 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #2 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #3 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #4 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #5 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #6 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #7 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #8 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #9 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #10 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 |
| Janesville, WIPop. 66,030 | #11 | 61.6 | $73,446 | $1,054/mo | 122 |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #12 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #13 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #14 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 |
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #15 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #16 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #17 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #18 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #19 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #20 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 |
All 20 Wisconsin cities we track, by overall score. Wisconsin statewide: median income $77,488, violent crime 240.3 per 100,000.
How is Brookfield's score calculated?
Brookfield scores 71.8 out of 100, #34 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wisconsin's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Brookfield. Similar-size median 52.9.
82.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Brookfield's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
97.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Brookfield. Similar-size median 52.2.
72.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Brookfield's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
67.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Brookfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
58.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Brookfield. Similar-size median 46.7.
90.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Brookfield. Similar-size median 44.2.
51.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Brookfield. Similar-size median 47.3.
57.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Brookfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
75.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Brookfield's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Brookfield has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Brookfield
Is Brookfield, WI a good place to live?
Brookfield ranks #34 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #7 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191) and low poverty (3.2%, #5 of 208), and trails on high rents ($1,886/mo, #189 of 208) and expensive homes ($443,900, #172 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Brookfield?
Brookfield's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,886/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $528,294, 56% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Brookfield?
Brookfield recorded 63 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 74% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #52 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brookfield Police Department. Property crime runs 796 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Brookfield?
The median household in Brookfield earns $129,548, 56% above the US figure of $83,163 and 67% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Brookfield?
Median rent in Brookfield is $1,886/mo (Census), #1030 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,237/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Brookfield?
The typical home value in Brookfield is $528,294, up 4.5% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $443,900.
How are the public schools in Brookfield?
Brookfield's 7 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 16 students per teacher and $13,987 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Brookfield?
The average commute is 20.7 minutes, #395 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Brookfield?
Brookfield averages 46.6°F over the year, 69.1°F in summer and 23°F in winter, with 35.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Brookfield walkable?
Brookfield scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Brookfield at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Waukesha County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Brookfield?
Waukesha County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Brookfield?
Brookfield has 41,273 residents. The median resident of Brookfield is 43.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 64.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #92 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 82.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Brookfield compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Brookfield ranks #1 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 71.8 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 67% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% above the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Brookfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Brookfield's population of 41,273 are Shelton, CT (#137 overall), Florence, AL (#915 overall), Greer, SC (#326 overall), Covington, KY (#535 overall), and State College, PA (#307 overall). Brookfield is #34.