What to know when moving to Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Wisconsin Rapids at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 21.7% of residents are renters and the median household income is $71,087.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $954, making it a reasonable option for many.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.2% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent environment.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 115 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Wisconsin Rapids has a population of 27,516, with a median household income of $71,087. Education levels are moderate, with 22.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a low renter percentage at 21.7%, which may appeal to those looking for a sense of community ownership. With only 0.2% using public transit, residents typically rely on cars for commuting.
Probably not your spot if you prefer urban living with robust public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $954, which is generally affordable compared to national averages.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $170,800, offering homeownership opportunities.
- The poverty rate in the area is 6.9%, reflecting a relatively stable economic environment.
- The education level shows that 22.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Wisconsin has a property crime rate of 981.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 36.6% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 235.9 per 100,000, also lower than the national figure.
- Violent crime: 235.9 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k, showing a 23.6% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 981.4 per 100k vs. national 1546.9 per 100k, with a 29.5% decrease since 2022.
- Burglary rate: 92.8 per 100k, significantly lower than the national rate of 193.6.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Wisconsin).
Schools & Higher Ed
Wisconsin Rapids has access to postsecondary education in the area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Named institution: Mid-State Technical College, located in Wisconsin Rapids.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
Wood County experiences an annual precipitation of 27.6 inches, with 115 rainy days. Snowfall averages about 4.4 inches over 27 days each year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Pfiffner Pioneer Park - 4.6 stars (784 reviews)
- Mead Park - 4.6 stars (558 reviews)
- Nepco Lake County Park - 4.3 stars (417 reviews)
- Riverside Park - 4.5 stars (273 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.