Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Janesville, WI
Thinking of moving to Janesville, WI? With a population of about 66,000, Janesville offers affordable living—median home prices are around $217,000 and average rents just over $1,000. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 20 minutes), a low cost of living, and access to solid healthcare and schools. The city boasts 54% sunny days, a strong sense of community, and a relaxed pace that makes it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Janesville, WI
Demographics - Janesville, WI
Janesville is home to nearly 66,000 residents and features a balanced gender ratio and a median age of about 40, reflecting a mix of families and working professionals. The city is predominantly White at 85.9%, with a small but growing diversity, including 6.9% of residents who speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a suburban atmosphere with room to grow.
Population:
65,942
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.9%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
9.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Janesville, WI?
Janesville offers an affordable lifestyle, with a cost of living index of 87.1 and median home values around $217,000. Monthly rent averages just over $1,000, and everyday expenses like utilities and groceries remain below national averages, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. State income taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%, contributing to manageable overall living costs.
Median House Value:
$217,000
Gross Rent:
$1,030
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.1
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
76.9
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
98.8
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Janesville, WI a safe place to live?
Janesville experiences a relatively low violent crime rate of 206 incidents per 100,000 people, though property crime is more common, with a 1 in 52 chance annually. While the city is generally safe, residents should remain mindful of property security. The overall crime index suggests Janesville is safer than many comparably sized cities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
206
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,920
Crime Index:
2,126
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 485
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Janesville, WI year-round?
Janesville enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 83°F and cold winters dipping to 13°F. The city receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 54% of the year, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Residents can expect crisp autumns and mild springs, making for a varied and enjoyable climate.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Janesville typically earn about $66,100, with a poverty rate of 10.7% and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Most residents commute around 20 minutes and over 92% hold at least a high school diploma, reflecting a well-educated and stable community. The area boasts affordable rents and a modest cost of living, contributing to a comfortable lifestyle.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$66,100
Family Income:
$78,700
Per Capita Income:
$32,400
Income Male:
$47,800
Income Female:
$38,200
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.9%
Rent:
$1,030
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Janesville, WI?
Janesville offers a solid educational foundation with several public and private schools, including Craig High School and Edison Middle School, both known for reasonable class sizes. Blackhawk Technical College, located just six miles away, provides higher education and workforce training to about 3,000 students. The community values education, with over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Craig High School
Street:
401 S Randall Ave
Phone:
608-743-5200
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Edison Middle School
Street:
1649 S Chatham St
Phone:
608-743-5600
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Private Schools
Name:
St. John Vianney School
Street:
1250 E Racine St
Phone:
608-752-6802
Students:
250
Colleges
Name:
Blackhawk Technical College
City:
Janesville
State:
WI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Janesville provides strong healthcare options, with two major hospitals offering comprehensive emergency and trauma services. The city has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94.5% and about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring accessible medical care. Overall, healthcare services are reliable and well-rated for a city of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Janesville
Address:
3400 E Racine St, Janesville, WI 53546
Phone:
(608) 373-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center - Janesville
Address:
1000 Mineral Point Ave, Janesville, WI 53548
Phone:
(608) 756-6000
Type:
General & Trauma
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Janesville, WI?
The Janesville housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $217,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,030. About two-thirds of residents own their homes and the market has seen a steady 5.2% appreciation over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make for a stable environment for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$217,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,030
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles serves Janesville at its Madison Ave location, providing standard licensing and vehicle services. Residents can access most DMV resources online or by phone for added convenience. Local access ensures quick processing for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1010 S. Madison Ave, Janesville, WI 53545
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.