Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Appleton, WI
Considering a move to Appleton, WI? Home to 75,644 residents, Appleton offers affordable living with a median home price of just $228,000 and average rents around $1,040. Commuting is a breeze with an average drive of 18 minutes, while crime rates remain low compared to national averages. The city is known for a strong sense of community, good schools like Appleton North High, and four full seasons with plenty of sunny days. With accessible healthcare and a modest cost of living, Appleton is a friendly, practical choice for families, professionals, and students alike.
Demographics - Appleton, WI
Demographics - Appleton, WI
Appleton is home to around 75,600 people, with a median age of 36.6, reflecting a balanced and family-friendly community. The city is predominantly White, but also includes Asian, Black, and other minority groups, contributing to a diverse local culture. About 8.6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
75,644
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
6.7%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Appleton, WI?
Appleton offers an affordable lifestyle with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values at $228,000. Renters can expect reasonable prices, with average gross rent at $1,040 per month. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare remain budget-friendly, making the city an attractive choice for cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$228,000
Gross Rent:
$1,040
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.6
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
76.5
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
96.5
Crime
Is Appleton, WI a safe place to live?
Appleton maintains a relatively low crime rate, with just 217 violent crimes and 1,876 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 460, helping residents feel secure. Overall, the city's safety record is an appealing factor for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
217
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,876
Crime Index:
2,093
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 460
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Appleton, WI year-round?
Residents of Appleton experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters with lows around 12°F. The city enjoys 55% sunny days each year and receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Appleton are characterized by a median household income of $68,009 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. Most residents enjoy short commutes averaging 18 minutes and benefit from a high rate of educational attainment, with nearly 94% holding a high school diploma or higher. The community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and relatively low poverty rate.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$68,009
Family Income:
$85,300
Per Capita Income:
$34,100
Income Male:
$50,600
Income Female:
$39,400
Poverty Rate:
9.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.6%
Rent:
$1,040
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
18.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.9%
Bachelors or More:
34.8%
Education
How are the schools in Appleton, WI?
Appleton is served by a range of quality public and private schools, including Appleton North High School and Xavier High School, supporting robust educational opportunities. The city is also home to Lawrence University and Fox Valley Technical College, offering higher education options for over 13,000 students. Strong student-to-teacher ratios and diverse academic programs make Appleton an excellent location for learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Appleton North High School
Street:
5000 N Ballard Rd
Phone:
920-832-4300
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Einstein Middle School
Street:
324 E Florida Ave
Phone:
920-832-4860
Students:
770
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Xavier High School
Street:
1600 W Prospect Ave
Phone:
920-733-6632
Students:
500
Colleges
Name:
Lawrence University
City:
Appleton
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
Fox Valley Technical College
City:
Appleton
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,700
Healthcare
Appleton offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like ThedaCare Regional Medical Center and Ascension NE Wisconsin–St. Elizabeth Campus providing comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city boasts a strong network of physicians (2.3 per 1,000 residents) and a health insurance coverage rate of over 95%. Healthcare services are reliable and accessible for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
ThedaCare Regional Medical Center–Appleton
Address:
1818 N Meade St, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone:
(920) 738-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension NE Wisconsin–St. Elizabeth Campus
Address:
1506 S Oneida St, Appleton, WI 54915
Phone:
(920) 738-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Appleton, WI?
The housing market in Appleton is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $228,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 65%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,040 and a relatively low vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year, reflecting a healthy real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$228,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,040
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle services at the local Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles office on Association Drive. The DMV provides comprehensive licensing, registration, and title services, making it convenient for drivers and vehicle owners. Helpful resources and online services are also available through the state website.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
711 W. Association Dr., Appleton, WI 54914
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.