What to know when moving to Oak Creek, WI
Oak Creek at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 40.6% of residents rent and the median household income is $93,120.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to nearby amenities like the Milwaukee Art Museum, which has a 4.8-star rating from 8,465 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.2% of residents using public transit, this is a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,397 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Oak Creek is home to approximately 36,473 residents, with 38.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a low poverty rate of 4.4%, which contributes to its overall economic stability. However, the area is car-dependent, given that only 0.2% of the population commutes via public transit, meaning you'll want to have a vehicle on hand for daily travel.
Probably not your spot if you prefer public transit options, as the reliance on cars is quite high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,397, while the median home value is $305,100, suggesting a relatively affordable housing market compared to many urban areas.
- Education level is notable, with 38.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-informed community.
- The poverty rate is low at 4.4%, indicating economic stability.
- Renter percentage stands at 40.6%, reflecting a balanced mix of renters and homeowners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Wisconsin, the crime rates reflect a trend of decreasing offenses, contributing to a safer community environment.
- Violent crime rate: 236 per 100k, which is 27.5% lower than the national average.
- Property crime rate: 981 per 100k, which is 36.6% lower than the national average.
- Overall, violent crime has decreased by 23.6% from 2022 to 2025.
- Notable trend: The burglary rate has decreased by 40.9% during the same period.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wisconsin).
Schools & Higher Ed
Oak Creek residents have access to a variety of nearby educational institutions, enhancing opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Total postsecondary institutions in the area: 14
- Nearby notable colleges include Marquette University and Milwaukee Area Technical College, both located in Milwaukee County.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Oak Creek experiences an average annual precipitation of 42.3 inches, with 123 rainy days each year, so plan accordingly for wet weather.
- Nearby parks worth checking out include Grant Park (4.7 stars), Whitnall Park (4.7 stars), and South Shore Park (4.7 stars).
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.