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Is Sheboygan a Good Place to Live? Sheboygan, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sheboygan ranks #484 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #88 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.2 min, #37 of 208) and low rents ($924/mo, #40 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #139 of 182).
Sheboygan by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sheboygan'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 Sheboygan?
Sheboygan's cost of living index is 94, 6% below the US level of 100 and #422 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $924/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,169, 21% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Sheboygan | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 94#422 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $267,169#288 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 | $1,187/mo#90 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $174,200#155 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $924/mo#123 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.
Sheboygan 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. Sheboygan is in the Sheboygan, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Sheboygan safe?
Sheboygan recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and 57% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #688 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #117 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sheboygan Police Department. Property crime runs 1,197 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sheboygan | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 378#688 of 1,085 | 240 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,197#307 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 Sheboygan?
The median household in Sheboygan earns $62,927, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sheboygan | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $62,927#978 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% | 12.3%#673 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 Sheboygan?
The median resident of Sheboygan is 36.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1048 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sheboygan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 23.4%#1048 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 60.9% | 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 Sheboygan's schools and health?
Sheboygan's 21 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,962 spent per pupil. 37.9% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sheboygan | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.9#272 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,962#710 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.9%#1002 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 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% | 10%#656 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. 8,321 students are enrolled in Sheboygan's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sheboygan?
The average commute in Sheboygan is 17.2 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 8.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sheboygan scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 22.3°F, with 29.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sheboygan | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.2 min#149 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 75.7% | 75.1% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 1.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 2.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 8.8% | 11.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.2#791 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 | 26.9 | 11.8 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 30 | 14.2 | 1 |
| Mar | 40.5 | 23.8 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 52.5 | 33.6 | 3.3 |
| May | 64.8 | 43.6 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 75.4 | 53.6 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 80.2 | 58.3 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 78.2 | 57.2 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 71.3 | 49.5 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 58.1 | 38.9 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 44.3 | 28.3 | 2 |
| Dec | 32.5 | 18.4 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sheboygan Co Mem Airport.
| Measure | Sheboygan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 45.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 67.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 22.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 29.4 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 Sheboygan Co Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sheboygan?
Sheboygan County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sheboygan County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Sheboygan | 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 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#47 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 Sheboygan County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sheboygan County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0063% | 75% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0093% | 52% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.051% | 12% 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 Sheboygan compare with similar-size cities?
Sheboygan is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #88 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 49,645.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #484 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 | 17.2 min |
| Covina, CAPop. 49,888 | #676 | 55.5 | $98,671 | $1,931/mo | 285 | 31 min |
| Tamiami, FLPop. 49,752 | #1083 | 48.3 | $78,353 | $1,939/mo | no data | 32.7 min |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #29 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #21 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data | 28.1 min |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #113 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 | 20.2 min |
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #56 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 | 21.6 min |
| Dublin, OHPop. 49,294 | #39 | 71.5 | $160,296 | $1,686/mo | 109 | 23.2 min |
| Stillwater, OKPop. 49,269 | #802 | 53.3 | $43,700 | $947/mo | 202 | 15.4 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 Sheboygan compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Sheboygan ranks #14 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 58.3 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 19% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 57% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Sheboygan's score calculated?
Sheboygan scores 58.3 out of 100, #484 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 Sheboygan. Similar-size median 52.9.
53.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sheboygan's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
74.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sheboygan. Similar-size median 52.2.
49.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sheboygan's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
63.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sheboygan's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
82.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sheboygan. Similar-size median 46.7.
44.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sheboygan. Similar-size median 44.2.
41.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sheboygan. Similar-size median 47.3.
49.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sheboygan's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
77.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sheboygan'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 Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan
Is Sheboygan, WI a good place to live?
Sheboygan ranks #484 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #88 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.2 min, #37 of 208) and low rents ($924/mo, #40 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #139 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Sheboygan?
Sheboygan's cost of living index is 94, 6% below the US level of 100 and #422 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $924/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,169, 21% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Sheboygan?
Sheboygan recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and 57% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #688 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #117 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sheboygan Police Department. Property crime runs 1,197 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sheboygan?
The median household in Sheboygan earns $62,927, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sheboygan?
Median rent in Sheboygan is $924/mo (Census), #123 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,187/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sheboygan?
The typical home value in Sheboygan is $267,169, up 4.4% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $174,200.
How are the public schools in Sheboygan?
Sheboygan's 21 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,962 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sheboygan?
The average commute is 17.2 minutes, #149 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sheboygan?
Sheboygan averages 45.3°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 22.3°F in winter, with 29.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sheboygan walkable?
Sheboygan scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 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 Sheboygan at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sheboygan County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sheboygan?
Sheboygan County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sheboygan?
Sheboygan has 49,645 residents. The median resident of Sheboygan is 36.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1048 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sheboygan compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Sheboygan ranks #14 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 58.3 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 19% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 57% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Sheboygan?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sheboygan's population of 49,645 are Covina, CA (#676 overall), Tamiami, FL (#1083 overall), North Bethesda, MD (#29 overall), McLean, VA (#21 overall), and St. Louis Park, MN (#113 overall). Sheboygan is #484.