What to know when moving to Sun Prairie, WI
TL;DR: Sun Prairie at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 51.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 33.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $96,497, making it a financially attractive option.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit, which may require a car for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,375 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Sun Prairie, you'll find a well-educated community with a median household income of $96,497 and a low poverty rate of 5.3%. The housing market features a median gross rent of $1,375 and a median owner-occupied home value of $354,700. With only 0.6% of residents commuting via public transit, this area is car-dependent. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby parks like Tenney Park and Token Creek County Park provide great options for recreation.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transit, as the usage is quite low.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- With a median gross rent of $1,375, housing costs are manageable compared to other areas.
- 51.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The renter percentage stands at 33.5%, indicating a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Wisconsin, property crime rates are lower than the national average, with a state annual rate of 981.4 per 100,000 compared to 1,546.9 nationally. Violent crime also shows a favorable trend, with a state rate of 235.9 per 100,000, down 23.6% from 2022. Overall, Wisconsin's crime rates reflect a safer environment than many other states.
- Violent crime: 235.9 per 100k vs. national average of 325.3, a decrease of 23.6% since 2022.
- Property crime: 981.4 per 100k vs. national average of 1,546.9, a decrease of 29.5% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wisconsin).
Schools & Higher Ed
Sun Prairie has access to a variety of educational institutions, with a total of 6 nearby schools offering higher education opportunities.
- Aveda Institute-Madison
- Edgewood College
- Herzing University-Madison
- Madison Area Technical College
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-System Administration
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Dane County experiences approximately 38.6 inches of precipitation annually, with about 143 rainy days each year. This means you'll want to invest in some good rain gear. For outdoor activities, parks like Tenney Park and Token Creek County Park offer well-rated spots for recreation.
- Tenney Park - 4.7 stars from 1,017 reviews
- Token Creek County Park - 4.6 stars from 881 reviews
- Governor Nelson State Park - 4.5 stars from 849 reviews
- Sheehan Park - 4.5 stars from 457 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.