What to know when moving to Appleton, WI
Appleton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 40.5% of residents rent and the median household income is $66,747.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,010, making it relatively affordable compared to many urban areas.
- The Reality Check:
- Public transit use is just 0.6%, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 112 rainy days a year, so investing in good rain gear is a must.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Appleton has a population of about 25,598, with a significant portion of the community being renters. Approximately 40.5% of residents are renting their homes. The education level is notable, with 35% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a relatively high median household income of $66,747. The area experiences about 112 rainy days each year, which can impact outdoor activities.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, as only 0.6% of residents commute via transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,010, while the median home value is $199,100.
- 35% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a relatively educated community.
- The poverty rate is 8.5%, reflecting economic diversity.
- 40.5% of residents are renters, showing a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Wisconsin, crime rates are generally lower than the national average, showing positive trends in several areas.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 235.9 per 100k, which is 27.5% lower than the national average.
- Property crime: The rate stands at 981.4 per 100k, which is 36.6% lower than the national average.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 31.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wisconsin).
Schools & Higher Ed
Appleton is home to multiple educational institutions, providing options for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 4
- With College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable schools include Lawrence University and Fox Valley Technical College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Appleton experiences an annual precipitation of about 32.7 inches, with 112 rainy days and an average snowfall of 6.2 inches across 37 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- High Cliff State Park - 4.8 stars (3,240 reviews)
- Appleton Memorial Park - 4.7 stars (1,299 reviews)
- Riverside Park - 4.8 stars (1,069 reviews)
- Badger Sports Park - 4.5 stars (1,514 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.