Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Madison, WI
Thinking of moving to Madison, WI? With a vibrant population of 273,700, Madison offers affordable living, with median home prices around $375,000 and average rents near $1,350. The city boasts a highly educated community—with over 56% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher—plus renowned schools and universities. Enjoy a short average commute of just under 20 minutes, a healthy job market, and plenty of sunny days. While property crime rates are above average, Madison’s blend of cultural vibrancy, excellent healthcare, and scenic lakeside living makes it a top Midwest destination.
Demographics - Madison, WI
Demographics - Madison, WI
Madison is home to about 273,700 residents, with a youthful median age of 31.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a diverse population, with nearly 27% representing minority groups and over 13% speaking languages other than English at home. Its vibrant mix of cultures creates a dynamic community atmosphere.
Population:
273,700
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.5%
Black:
7.3%
Asian:
9.5%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Madison, WI?
The cost of living in Madison is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $375,000 and typical rents around $1,350 per month. Utility and transportation costs are reasonable, while state income tax rates range from 3.54% to 7.65%. Overall, residents enjoy a comfortable balance between affordability and quality of life.
Median House Value:
$375,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$625
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.6
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
107.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
101.6
Health Care:
102.8
Miscellaneous:
99.4
Crime
Is Madison, WI a safe place to live?
Madison experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 303 violent crimes and 2,334 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 330, while property crime is more common at 1 in 43. While property crime is above average, most neighborhoods remain safe and family-friendly.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
303
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,334
Crime Index:
2,637
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 330
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Madison, WI year-round?
Madison sees all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 12°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The city receives about 37 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. Residents experience a pleasant balance of weather, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Madison’s neighborhoods offer a mix of incomes, with a median household income of $71,790 and a family income surpassing $100,000. Education levels are high, with over half of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute is a short 19.6 minutes. The area’s low unemployment rate and strong sense of community make it a welcoming place for new residents.
Median Income:
$39,700
Household Income:
$71,790
Family Income:
$102,100
Per Capita Income:
$40,500
Income Male:
$48,200
Income Female:
$43,600
Poverty Rate:
16.7%
Non English Speakers:
13.6%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
8.7%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.0%
Bachelors or More:
56.2%
Education
How are the schools in Madison, WI?
Madison is renowned for its strong educational offerings, from high-quality public and private schools to the flagship University of Wisconsin–Madison. The city’s schools maintain favorable student-teacher ratios and serve a diverse student body, while local colleges provide extensive higher education options. This supportive learning environment attracts families and students from across the region.
Public Schools
Name:
James Madison Memorial High School
Street:
201 S Gammon Rd
Phone:
608-663-5990
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Shorewood Hills Elementary School
Street:
1105 Shorewood Blvd
Phone:
608-204-1200
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Private Schools
Name:
Edgewood Campus School
Street:
829 Edgewood College Dr
Phone:
608-524-0801
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
48,000
Name:
Madison College
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
30,000
Healthcare
Madison provides excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like UW Health University Hospital and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital offering comprehensive services. The city boasts 3.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate at 95.5%. Residents benefit from top-notch medical care and numerous health resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UW Health University Hospital
Address:
600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792
Phone:
(608) 263-6400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital
Address:
700 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715
Phone:
(608) 251-6100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.5%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Madison, WI?
The Madison housing market is active, with a median home price of $375,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,350. About 47.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has experienced a healthy appreciation rate of 6.1% in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates point to a stable and attractive real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$375,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Madison are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Sheboygan Avenue. Residents can access a full range of DMV services both online and in person. The department is known for efficient service and clear guidance for new arrivals.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4802 Sheboygan Ave, Madison, WI 53707
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.