Everything You Should Know Before Moving to De Forest, WI
Considering a move to De Forest, WI? This friendly community of 10,900 offers affordable living, with median home prices at $330,000 and average rents around $1,225. Residents enjoy low crime rates (violent crime just 50 per 100K), excellent schools, and short average commutes of 23 minutes. With a high rate of educational attainment and easy access to Madison, De Forest is perfect for families seeking a safe, welcoming suburb with a small-town feel and four-season climate.
Demographics - De Forest, WI
Demographics - De Forest, WI
De Forest has a population of around 10,900, characterized by a predominantly White community and a median age of 37.8 years. The area is family-friendly with a nearly balanced gender ratio and a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a welcoming environment for diverse backgrounds.
Population:
10,900
Density:
1,410 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.7%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
1.9%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in De Forest, WI?
Cost of living in De Forest is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $330,000 and average rent near $1,225 per month. Utility and grocery costs remain reasonable, and state taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%, making it a manageable choice for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$330,000
Gross Rent:
$1,225
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,045
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$635
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
100.5
Housing:
104.8
Utilities:
101.7
Transportation:
99.6
Health Care:
105.2
Miscellaneous:
103.1
Crime
Is De Forest, WI a safe place to live?
De Forest boasts low crime rates, with violent crimes at just 50 per 100,000 residents and property crimes significantly below national averages. This makes it a safe community, ideal for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
50
Property Crimes Per 100k:
630
Crime Index:
680
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,180
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 159
Weather
What is the weather like in De Forest, WI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 11°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area enjoys about 58% sunny days each year and receives roughly 33.5 inches of rainfall, offering a balanced Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The community is prosperous, with a household median income of $97,500 and a low poverty rate of 4.5%. Most residents have completed high school, and nearly half hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated and engaged neighborhood.
Median Income:
$45,600
Household Income:
$97,500
Family Income:
$109,700
Per Capita Income:
$39,800
Income Male:
$54,900
Income Female:
$46,800
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,225
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
42.5%
Education
How are the schools in De Forest, WI?
De Forest is served by reputable public and private schools, with small class sizes fostering a supportive learning environment. The city is also conveniently located near major higher education institutions in Madison, including Madison College and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, making lifelong learning accessible.

Public Schools
Name:
DeForest Area High School
Street:
815 Jefferson St
Phone:
608-842-6600
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Yahara Elementary School
Street:
234 N Lexington Pkwy
Phone:
608-842-6500
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Blessed Trinity Catholic School
Street:
109 Prairie St
Phone:
608-846-5963
Students:
140

Colleges
Name:
Madison College
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
27,000
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
47,932
Healthcare
De Forest provides strong healthcare access with two local clinics and proximity to major hospitals in Madison, including facilities with emergency services. With over 94% of residents insured and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people, quality medical care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UW Health DeForest-Windsor Clinic
Address:
4131 Savannah Dr, DeForest, WI 53532
Phone:
(608) 846-3741
Type:
Family Medicine & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
SSM Health Dean Medical Group
Address:
210 N Main St, DeForest, WI 53532
Phone:
(608) 846-3741
Type:
Primary & Specialty Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
UW Health University Hospital
Address:
600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792
Phone:
(608) 263-6400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in De Forest, WI?
The housing market features a median home price of $330,000 and home appreciation over 6% in the past year. With 70.8% owner-occupancy and a low foreclosure rate, De Forest offers a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$330,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,225
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle-related services for De Forest residents are handled by the Wisconsin DMV, located nearby in Madison. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both in person and online.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
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.