Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Beaver Dam, WI
Considering a move to Beaver Dam, WI? With a friendly population of 16,708, Beaver Dam offers affordable living—median home prices are around $205,000 and average rents are just $950. The city enjoys a low violent crime rate (120 per 100K), short average commutes of 20 minutes, and a strong sense of community. You'll find solid local schools, a major hospital, and a classic Midwest climate with four distinct seasons. Explore the cost of living, housing market, and more below to help plan your next chapter in Beaver Dam!
Demographics - Beaver Dam, WI
Demographics - Beaver Dam, WI
Beaver Dam is home to about 16,700 residents, with a median age of 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, with a small but growing diversity, and around 7.5% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a comfortable suburban atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
16,708
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.7%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Beaver Dam, WI?
Beaver Dam offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $205,000 and average rents around $950. The living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families. Utilities and everyday expenses remain manageable, while state income taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%.
Median House Value:
$205,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
73.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Beaver Dam, WI a safe place to live?
Beaver Dam boasts a low violent crime rate of just 120 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe community for families and singles alike. Property crime rates are also relatively modest, with residents facing a 1 in 95 chance. Overall, the city's crime index reflects a secure environment compared to national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,170
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Beaver Dam, WI year-round?
Residents of Beaver Dam enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 81°F and cold winters with lows around 12°F. The city receives about 33.5 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine 54% of the year. This Midwest climate offers a classic seasonal experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Beaver Dam have a median income of $60,400, with a family median at $72,000 and a per capita income of $29,800. The community has a low unemployment rate of 3.2% and a poverty rate around 10.7%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a convenient 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$60,400
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Beaver Dam, WI?
Beaver Dam provides a range of educational options, including public schools like Beaver Dam High School and Washington Elementary, as well as private institutions such as St. Katharine Drexel School. Higher learning is supported by Moraine Park Technical College located in the city and the University of Wisconsin–Madison just 43 miles away. The majority of adults have completed high school, with nearly one in five holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
Beaver Dam High School
Street:
500 Gould St
Phone:
920-885-7313
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Washington Elementary School
Street:
412 E Burnett St
Phone:
920-885-7367
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Katharine Drexel School
Street:
503 S Spring St
Phone:
920-885-5558
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
Moraine Park Technical College
City:
Beaver Dam
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,900
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
43 miles
Students:
47,900
Healthcare
Beaver Dam is served by SSM Health Beaver Dam Hospital, providing general and emergency services to the community. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 95% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to medical care. The city’s healthcare index indicates generally good local health resources.

Major Hospitals
Name:
SSM Health Beaver Dam Hospital
Address:
707 S University Ave, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone:
(920) 887-7181
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Beaver Dam, WI?
The housing market in Beaver Dam is accessible, featuring a median home price of $205,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $950. Homeownership is common, with about 62.5% of residents owning their homes and a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. The market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 5.1% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$205,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Beaver Dam residents can conveniently access DMV services at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation office on South University Ave. The local branch offers essential vehicle and licensing services, and more information is available through the state DMV website. This accessibility makes managing transportation needs straightforward for newcomers.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
114 South University Ave, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
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.