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Is Kenosha a Good Place to Live? Kenosha, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kenosha ranks #583 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #264 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($225,200, #94 of 524) and low rents ($1,186/mo, #117 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Kenosha by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kenosha'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 Kenosha?
Kenosha's cost of living index is 101.1, 1% above the US level of 100 and #753 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,186/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $284,850, 16% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Kenosha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.1#753 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $284,850#336 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,638/mo#448 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $225,200#312 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,186/mo#425 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20%#447 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Kenosha 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. Kenosha is in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Kenosha safe?
Kenosha recorded 324 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 328 and 35% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #595 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #263 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kenosha Police Department. Property crime runs 739 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kenosha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 324#595 of 1,085 | 240 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 739#106 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Kenosha?
The median household in Kenosha earns $71,239, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kenosha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $71,239#790 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.7%#777 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kenosha?
The median resident of Kenosha is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kenosha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29%#834 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kenosha's schools and health?
Kenosha's 32 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 15 students per teacher and $14,636 spent per pupil. 41.7% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kenosha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,636#629 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41.7%#1199 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.5%#827 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,120 students are enrolled in Kenosha's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kenosha?
The average commute in Kenosha is 23.6 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0.9% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kenosha scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.6°F and winters 26.7°F, with 31.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kenosha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.6 min#644 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.1%#727 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.7% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 1.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.7% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.1#812 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 31.3 | 16.4 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 34.8 | 18.9 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 45.4 | 27.9 | 2 |
| Apr | 57.3 | 36.8 | 3.6 |
| May | 69 | 47.1 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 78.8 | 56.8 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 83.8 | 61.7 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 81.7 | 60.6 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 53.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 62.5 | 42.8 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 48.5 | 31.6 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 36.6 | 22.4 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kenosha Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Kenosha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 31.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kenosha Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kenosha?
Kenosha County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 19 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kenosha County's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Kenosha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 19#965 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.07%#34 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kenosha County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kenosha County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | 0.0021% | 99% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0033% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 56% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 34% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.001% | 29% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.044% | 7% 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 Kenosha compare with similar-size cities?
Kenosha is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #264 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 99,372.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #657 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 | 26.7 min |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #636 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 | 30.2 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 Kenosha compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Kenosha ranks #16 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 8% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 35% 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 Kenosha's score calculated?
Kenosha scores 56.9 out of 100, #583 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 Kenosha. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kenosha's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
81.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kenosha. Similar-size median 58.9.
43.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kenosha's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
63.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kenosha's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kenosha. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kenosha. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kenosha. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kenosha's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
42.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
77.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kenosha's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Is Kenosha, WI a good place to live?
Kenosha ranks #583 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #264 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($225,200, #94 of 524) and low rents ($1,186/mo, #117 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Kenosha?
Kenosha's cost of living index is 101.1, 1% above the US level of 100 and #753 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,186/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $284,850, 16% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Kenosha?
Kenosha recorded 324 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 1% below the US rate of 328 and 35% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #595 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #263 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kenosha Police Department. Property crime runs 739 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kenosha?
The median household in Kenosha earns $71,239, 14% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kenosha?
Median rent in Kenosha is $1,186/mo (Census), #425 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,638/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kenosha?
The typical home value in Kenosha is $284,850, up 6.6% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $225,200.
How are the public schools in Kenosha?
Kenosha's 32 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 15 students per teacher and $14,636 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kenosha?
The average commute is 23.6 minutes, #644 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 6.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kenosha?
Kenosha averages 49.2°F over the year, 70.6°F in summer and 26.7°F in winter, with 31.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kenosha walkable?
Kenosha 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 Kenosha at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kenosha County's biggest natural hazard losses in lightning, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kenosha?
Kenosha County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 19 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Kenosha?
Kenosha has 99,372 residents. The median resident of Kenosha is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #834 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kenosha compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Kenosha ranks #16 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 8% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 35% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Kenosha?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kenosha's population of 99,372 are Boca Raton, FL (#347 overall), Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall), Federal Way, WA (#770 overall), Longmont, CO (#355 overall), and Atascocita, TX (#569 overall). Kenosha is #583.