Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cato, WI
Thinking of moving to Cato, WI? With a population of just over 1,600, Cato offers small-town charm, affordable housing (median home price $225,000), and a cost of living well below the national average. The area boasts low crime, quick 22-minute commutes, and strong public schools, plus a close-knit community feel. Enjoy four distinct seasons and easy access to local amenities, making it a great fit for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Demographics - Cato, WI
Cato, WI is a close-knit rural community with just over 1,600 residents and a low population density, primarily composed of White residents and a median age of 43.8. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a stable and homogenous population. Its friendly, mature demographic creates a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,616
Density:
46 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.8
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cato, WI?
Cato's cost of living is notably affordable, with a median home value of $225,000 and an overall index below the national average. Residents benefit from reasonable rent, manageable utility costs, and moderate state taxes, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly living in Wisconsin. Everyday expenses, including groceries and transportation, remain lower than many urban areas.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$108
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.3
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
82.6
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Cato, WI a safe place to live?
Cato is a safe place to call home, with a very low violent crime rate of 65 per 100,000 and a property crime rate significantly below national averages. Residents enjoy peace of mind, with chances of violent crime at just 1 in 1,540. The town's secure environment is ideal for families and those prioritizing safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
460
Crime Index:
525
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 350
Weather
What is the weather like in Cato, WI year-round?
Cato experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 12°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives about 31 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. Residents can expect a classic Midwest climate, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Cato's residents enjoy a median household income of $77,500 and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, contributing to a stable and prosperous community. The area boasts high educational attainment and low unemployment, with short commute times averaging 22 minutes. Most neighbors own their homes and value a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$77,500
Family Income:
$87,000
Per Capita Income:
$33,600
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.0%
Education
How are the schools in Cato, WI?
Cato offers strong educational options, with well-rated public and private schools and access to higher education nearby. Valders Area Middle School serves local students with favorable student-teacher ratios, and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus is just 13 miles away. Families benefit from quality schooling choices within a close-knit setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Valders Area Middle School
Street:
138 Jefferson St, Valders, WI 54245
Phone:
920-775-9500
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary-St. Michael School
Street:
19 S County Rd J, Cato, WI 54230
Phone:
920-732-3180
Students:
95
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus
City:
Manitowoc
State:
WI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Cato is accessible, with major hospitals like Holy Family Memorial Medical Center nearby and a high health insurance coverage rate of 93.8%. The area offers a reasonable ratio of physicians and scores well in healthcare quality, providing residents with reliable medical services. Emergency care and general health needs are well-supported locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Holy Family Memorial Medical Center
Address:
2300 Western Ave, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Phone:
(920) 320-2011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cato, WI?
Cato's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $225,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 89.2%. Rental options are available at around $860 for a two-bedroom, and the area has seen steady home appreciation. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make Cato appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
89.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Cato are served by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation DMV office conveniently located in nearby Manitowoc. The DMV provides comprehensive services, from licensing to vehicle registration, and can be accessed online or by phone. This ensures smooth transportation-related processes for locals.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
912 S 8th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220
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.