WisconsinPop. 40,270Small cities
Is New Berlin a Good Place to Live? New Berlin, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Berlin ranks #152 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (47 per 100,000, #6 of 174) and low poverty (4.1%, #17 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182).
New Berlin by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Berlin'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 New Berlin?
New Berlin'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 $1,426/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $455,414, 34% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | New Berlin | 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 | $455,414#738 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 | $1,946/mo#677 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $365,700#700 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,426/mo#658 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.9%#144 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.
New Berlin 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. New Berlin is in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is New Berlin safe?
New Berlin recorded 47 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 86% below the US rate of 328 and 80% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #22 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Berlin Police Department. Property crime runs 614 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | New Berlin | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 47#22 of 1,085 | 240 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 614#56 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 New Berlin?
The median household in New Berlin earns $101,091, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 30% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | New Berlin | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $101,091#329 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 4.1%#54 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 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 New Berlin?
The median resident of New Berlin is 45.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 47.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #315 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Berlin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 45.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 47.3%#315 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 76.5% | 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 New Berlin's schools and health?
New Berlin's 7 public schools graduate 93.3% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,284 spent per pupil. 33% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | New Berlin | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.3%#162 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,284#797 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33%#614 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 12.6%#40 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.4%#99 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. 4,580 students are enrolled in New Berlin's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Berlin?
The average commute in New Berlin is 21.7 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0% of workers take transit and 15% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Berlin scores 6.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.5°F and winters 23.9°F, with 38.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | New Berlin | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 21.7 min#480 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.4% | 75.1% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 1.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.2% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 15% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.9#1246 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 | 29.8 | 12.2 | 1.8 |
| Feb | 33.3 | 14.6 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 44.1 | 23.9 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 56 | 34.5 | 4.1 |
| May | 68.1 | 45.5 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 77.7 | 55.9 | 5.6 |
| Jul | 82.8 | 60.5 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 81.1 | 59.2 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 74.2 | 51.3 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 61.5 | 39.7 | 3 |
| Nov | 46.5 | 28.5 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 35 | 18.3 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hales Corners/Whitnall Park/Bo.
| Measure | New Berlin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 47.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 69.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 23.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 38.4 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 Hales Corners/Whitnall Park/Bo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in New Berlin?
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 | New Berlin | 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 New Berlin compare with similar-size cities?
New Berlin is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #31 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 40,270.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #152 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 | 21.7 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 |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #1178 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 | 18.7 min |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #92 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 | 21.6 min |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #1034 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 | 15.9 min |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #1077 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 | 23.8 min |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #360 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 | 21.7 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 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 New Berlin compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
New Berlin ranks #4 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 66.1 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 30% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 80% below the statewide rate. Homes are 34% 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 New Berlin's score calculated?
New Berlin scores 66.1 out of 100, #152 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 New Berlin. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by New Berlin's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
99.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Berlin. Similar-size median 52.2.
66.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Berlin's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
61.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
New Berlin's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
66.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Berlin. Similar-size median 46.7.
76.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Berlin. Similar-size median 44.2.
40.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Berlin. Similar-size median 47.3.
48.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Berlin's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
31.1 - 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: New Berlin'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 New Berlin 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 New Berlin
Is New Berlin, WI a good place to live?
New Berlin ranks #152 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #31 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (47 per 100,000, #6 of 174) and low poverty (4.1%, #17 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182).
What is the cost of living in New Berlin?
New Berlin'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 $1,426/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $455,414, 34% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in New Berlin?
New Berlin recorded 47 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 86% below the US rate of 328 and 80% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #22 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Berlin Police Department. Property crime runs 614 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in New Berlin?
The median household in New Berlin earns $101,091, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 30% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in New Berlin?
Median rent in New Berlin is $1,426/mo (Census), #658 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,946/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Berlin?
The typical home value in New Berlin is $455,414, up 5.3% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $365,700.
How are the public schools in New Berlin?
New Berlin's 7 public schools graduate 93.3% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $13,284 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Berlin?
The average commute is 21.7 minutes, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in New Berlin?
New Berlin averages 47.3°F over the year, 69.5°F in summer and 23.9°F in winter, with 38.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is New Berlin walkable?
New Berlin scores 6.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1246 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 New Berlin 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 New Berlin?
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 New Berlin?
New Berlin has 40,270 residents. The median resident of New Berlin is 45.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 47.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #315 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Berlin compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
New Berlin ranks #4 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 66.1 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 30% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 80% below the statewide rate. Homes are 34% above the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to New Berlin?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Berlin's population of 40,270 are Rexburg, ID (#703 overall), Waipahu, HI (#472 overall), Florence, SC (#1178 overall), Lake Oswego, OR (#92 overall), and Cape Girardeau, MO (#1034 overall). New Berlin is #152.