What to know when moving to Pleasant Prairie, WI
Pleasant Prairie at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 26% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- With a median household income of $107,730, the area presents solid economic potential.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.5% of residents commute via public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,444/month in rent to secure a place here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pleasant Prairie is characterized by its highly educated population, with over 40% holding bachelor's degrees. The median gross rent is $1,444, reflecting its appeal to renters, who make up 26% of the population. However, with a low public transit usage rate of 0.5%, this is a car-dependent area, which is something to consider if you're planning to move here.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a robust public transportation system, as you will need to rely on a car to get around.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,444, while the median home value is $348,900.
- 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
- 26% of the population are renters, reflecting a good mix of ownership and renting.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Wisconsin's overall crime rates show a downward trend, with property crime decreasing by 29.5% from 2022 to 2025. The state annual rate for violent crime stands at 235.9 per 100,000, which is 27.5% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 235.9 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 981.4 per 100k vs. national rate of 1546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped by 31.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wisconsin).
Schools & Higher Ed
Pleasant Prairie has access to several educational institutions, primarily located in nearby Kenosha County. There are 9 postsecondary institutions available within reach.
- Carthage College
- Gateway Technical College
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
In Kenosha County, the annual precipitation is about 25.2 inches, with around 122 rainy days per year. This area also experiences about 4.8 inches of snowfall annually, spread over approximately 28 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Petrifying Springs Park (4.8 stars, 3060 reviews)
- Simmons Island Park (4.6 stars, 1835 reviews)
- Kenosha Public Museum (4.7 stars, 1340 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.