What to know when moving to Janesville, WI
Janesville at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 29.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 35.2% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $70,730, offering a solid financial foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.8% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,006/month in rent for a typical rental.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Janesville has a population of about 23,937, characterized by a relatively high median household income of $70,730. With nearly a third of residents holding a bachelor's degree, the community is educated, though the renter percentage at 35.2% suggests many are still seeking home ownership. The area sees about 20 rainy days annually, so be prepared for some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer a strong public transit system, as only 0.8% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,006, making it affordable compared to larger urban centers.
- Median home value is $204,000, presenting a reasonable entry point for buyers.
- 29.3% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, indicating a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate stands at 9.8%, suggesting a stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Wisconsin's crime rates show a declining trend over recent years, with property crime down by 29.5% from 2022 to 2025. The state annual rate for violent crime is 235.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.5% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 235.9 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 981.4 per 100k vs. national rate of 1546.9, down 29.5% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 31.9% since 2022, with a rate of 3.8 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wisconsin).
Schools & Higher Ed
Janesville has access to a couple of higher education institutions, making it convenient for residents seeking postsecondary education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 2
- Notable institutions include Blackhawk Technical College and Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Janesville.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Rock County has an annual precipitation total of 5.5 inches, with around 20 rainy days each year. The winters are mild with only 6 days of snow. Outdoor enthusiasts will find several parks nearby.
- Palmer Park - 4.7 stars (1,220 reviews)
- Traxler Park - 4.5 stars (851 reviews)
- Lustig Park - 4.5 stars (350 reviews)
- Rockport Park - 4.6 stars (345 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.