WisconsinPop. 106,253Mid-size cities
Is Green Bay a Good Place to Live? Green Bay, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Green Bay ranks #592 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($932/mo, #3 of 256) and low unemployment (3%, #8 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Green Bay by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Green Bay'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 Green Bay?
Green Bay's cost of living index is 93.1, 7% below the US level of 100 and #382 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $932/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,361, 16% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Green Bay | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.1#382 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $285,361#338 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,066/mo#42 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $207,200#249 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $932/mo#137 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 16.9%#144 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Green Bay 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. Green Bay is in the Green Bay, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Green Bay safe?
Green Bay recorded 450 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 87% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #783 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #153 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Green Bay Police Department. Property crime runs 1,193 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Green Bay | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 450#783 of 1,085 | 240 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,193#303 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Green Bay?
The median household in Green Bay earns $66,206, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Green Bay | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $66,206#899 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 14.7%#845 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Green Bay?
The median resident of Green Bay is 36 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #915 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Green Bay | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 26.7%#915 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 57.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Green Bay's schools and health?
Green Bay's 35 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $15,394 spent per pupil. 43.7% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Green Bay | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,394#527 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 43.7%#1261 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.7%#847 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,131 students are enrolled in Green Bay's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Green Bay?
The average commute in Green Bay is 19.2 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0.9% of workers take transit and 10.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Green Bay scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.4°F and winters 20.2°F, with 32.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Green Bay | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.2 min#280 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.8% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 1.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.6% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.7% | 11.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.5#1166 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 24.5 | 9.1 | 1.3 |
| Feb | 28.9 | 10.8 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 39.9 | 21.3 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 53.6 | 32.9 | 3.1 |
| May | 66.6 | 44.3 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 75.4 | 54.7 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 79.8 | 58.9 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 78.2 | 57.3 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 71 | 49.4 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 58.2 | 39.3 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 44 | 27.1 | 2 |
| Dec | 31.2 | 16.8 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Green Bay Botanical.
| Measure | Green Bay | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 44.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 67.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 20.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 32.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Green Bay Botanical.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Green Bay?
Brown County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brown 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 | Green Bay | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#122 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Brown County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Brown County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0042% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0072% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 31% 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 Green Bay compare with similar-size cities?
Green Bay is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #90 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 106,253.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #592 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 | 19.2 min |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 min |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #447 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 | 18.1 min |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #619 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 | 20.8 min |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | #1060 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 | 27.8 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #401 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 | 27.1 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 Green Bay compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Green Bay ranks #17 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 15% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 87% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 Green Bay's score calculated?
Green Bay scores 56.8 out of 100, #592 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 Green Bay. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Green Bay's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
69.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Green Bay. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Green Bay's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
66.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Green Bay's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Green Bay. Similar-size median 51.2.
41.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Green Bay. Similar-size median 42.1.
46.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Green Bay. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Green Bay's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
79.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Green Bay's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Green Bay 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 Green Bay
Is Green Bay, WI a good place to live?
Green Bay ranks #592 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($932/mo, #3 of 256) and low unemployment (3%, #8 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Green Bay?
Green Bay's cost of living index is 93.1, 7% below the US level of 100 and #382 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $932/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,361, 16% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Green Bay?
Green Bay recorded 450 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% above the US rate of 328 and 87% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #783 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #153 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Green Bay Police Department. Property crime runs 1,193 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Green Bay?
The median household in Green Bay earns $66,206, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Green Bay?
Median rent in Green Bay is $932/mo (Census), #137 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,066/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Green Bay?
The typical home value in Green Bay is $285,361, up 5.4% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $207,200.
How are the public schools in Green Bay?
Green Bay's 35 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $15,394 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Green Bay?
The average commute is 19.2 minutes, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Green Bay?
Green Bay averages 44.7°F over the year, 67.4°F in summer and 20.2°F in winter, with 32.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Green Bay walkable?
Green Bay scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 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 Green Bay at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brown 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 Green Bay?
Brown County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Green Bay?
Green Bay has 106,253 residents. The median resident of Green Bay is 36 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #915 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Green Bay compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Green Bay ranks #17 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 15% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 87% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Green Bay?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Green Bay's population of 106,253 are Dearborn, MI (#706 overall), Sandy Springs, GA (#108 overall), Boulder, CO (#447 overall), Spokane Valley, WA (#619 overall), and El Monte, CA (#1060 overall). Green Bay is #592.