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Is Fond du Lac a Good Place to Live? Fond du Lac, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fond du Lac ranks #612 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($913/mo, #34 of 208) and affordable homes ($173,700, #41 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #139 of 182).
Fond du Lac by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fond du Lac'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 Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $913/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $264,914, 22% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Fond du Lac | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $264,914#281 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 | $1,138/mo#71 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $173,700#154 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $913/mo#105 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.6%#203 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.
Fond du Lac 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. Fond du Lac is in the Fond du Lac, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Fond du Lac safe?
Fond du Lac recorded 403 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 68% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #722 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #121 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fond du Lac Police Department. Property crime runs 1,810 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fond du Lac | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 403#722 of 1,085 | 240 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,810#627 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 Fond du Lac?
The median household in Fond du Lac earns $62,260, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fond du Lac | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $62,260#994 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12.4%#679 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 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 Fond du Lac?
The median resident of Fond du Lac is 36.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 21.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fond du Lac | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 21.3%#1134 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 58.2% | 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 Fond du Lac's schools and health?
Fond du Lac's 15 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 14 students per teacher and $13,833 spent per pupil. 44.5% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fond du Lac | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14#282 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,833#726 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44.5%#1274 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.4%#575 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. 6,419 students are enrolled in Fond du Lac's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fond du Lac?
The average commute in Fond du Lac is 19.3 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0.2% of workers take transit and 9.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fond du Lac scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.4°F and winters 22°F, with 28.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fond du Lac | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.3 min#287 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76% | 75.1% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 1.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.5% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.2% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 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 | 26.7 | 11.1 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 30.3 | 13.8 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 42.1 | 24.3 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 55.7 | 35.1 | 2.8 |
| May | 68.2 | 46.6 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 78.1 | 56.8 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 60.8 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 79.5 | 59.2 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 51.2 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 59.3 | 39.8 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 44.7 | 28.7 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 32.4 | 17.9 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fond Du Lac Co Airport.
| Measure | Fond du Lac | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 46.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 69.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 22°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 28.4 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 Fond Du Lac Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fond du Lac County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Fond du Lac | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#95 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 Fond du Lac County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fond du Lac County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0073% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 64% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% 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 Fond du Lac compare with similar-size cities?
Fond du Lac is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #113 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 44,494.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #612 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 | 19.3 min |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| Bountiful, UTPop. 45,023 | #281 | 62.5 | $104,785 | $1,565/mo | 167 | 22.8 min |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #386 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 | 27 min |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #202 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 | 18.7 min |
| Pearl City, HIPop. 44,547 | #331 | 61.3 | $118,112 | $2,316/mo | no data | 26.6 min |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #1071 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 | 20.7 min |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #203 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 | 23 min |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #1288 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 | 17.4 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 Fond du Lac compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Fond du Lac ranks #18 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 20% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below 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 Fond du Lac's score calculated?
Fond du Lac scores 56.5 out of 100, #612 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Fond du Lac. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fond du Lac's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
68.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fond du Lac. Similar-size median 52.2.
41.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fond du Lac's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
66.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fond du Lac's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
84.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fond du Lac. Similar-size median 46.7.
44.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fond du Lac. Similar-size median 44.2.
40.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fond du Lac. Similar-size median 47.3.
49.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fond du Lac's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
80.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fond du Lac'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 Fond du Lac 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 Fond du Lac
Is Fond du Lac, WI a good place to live?
Fond du Lac ranks #612 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 208 small cities and #18 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($913/mo, #34 of 208) and affordable homes ($173,700, #41 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #139 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $913/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $264,914, 22% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac recorded 403 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 68% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #722 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #121 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fond du Lac Police Department. Property crime runs 1,810 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fond du Lac?
The median household in Fond du Lac earns $62,260, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fond du Lac?
Median rent in Fond du Lac is $913/mo (Census), #105 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,138/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fond du Lac?
The typical home value in Fond du Lac is $264,914, up 4.6% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $173,700.
How are the public schools in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac's 15 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 14 students per teacher and $13,833 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fond du Lac?
The average commute is 19.3 minutes, #287 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac averages 46.5°F over the year, 69.4°F in summer and 22°F in winter, with 28.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fond du Lac walkable?
Fond du Lac scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 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 Fond du Lac at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fond du Lac County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac has 44,494 residents. The median resident of Fond du Lac is 36.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 21.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fond du Lac compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Fond du Lac ranks #18 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 20% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 68% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Fond du Lac?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fond du Lac's population of 44,494 are Gainesville, GA (#688 overall), Bountiful, UT (#281 overall), Lebanon, TN (#386 overall), Burlington, VT (#202 overall), and Pearl City, HI (#331 overall). Fond du Lac is #612.