Wisconsin / Dane County

Moving to Madison, WI

Thinking of making a move to Madison, WI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Madison and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Madison before you move.

Moving Help for Your Madison, WI Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Madison move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Madison, WI Piano Movers Madison, WI Cheap Movers Madison, WI Small Movers Madison, WI Apartment Movers Madison, WI Long Distance Movers Madison, WI

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Madison, WI

Considering a move to Madison, WI? This welcoming community of 273,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $375,000 and average rents near $1,350. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Madison's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Madison, WI

Madison has a population of 273,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 31 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 7% Black, and 10% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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 higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.6. Median home values are around $375,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 303 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 43. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Wisconsin.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
12°F
Max
29°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $71,790 and a low poverty rate of 16.7%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 56% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like James Madison Memorial High School and Shorewood Hills Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Wisconsin–Madison and Madison College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UW Health University Hospital and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 95.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $375,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 6.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Madison offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Madison handle vehicle services through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Madison. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Wisconsin
Department
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
4802 Sheboygan Ave, Madison, WI 53707
Phone
1-608-264-7447

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.

FAQs About Moving to Madison, WI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Madison, review the core fields on this page: population 273,700, median home value $375,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 19.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

Ready to Move to Madison, WI?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes