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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Madison, WI

Considering a move to Madison, WI? This welcoming community of 269,840 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $390,000 and average rents near $1,520. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% 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 269,840 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 72% White, 8% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
269,840
Density
3,800 per sq mi
Median Age
31.4
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
72.0%
Black
8.2%
Asian
8.4%
Others
11.4%

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 114.8. Median home values are around $390,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$390,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$690
State Taxes
Low: 3.5%| High: 7.65%
Cost Of Living Index
114.8
Grocery
107.9
Housing
121.6
Utilities
103.8
Transportation
104.9
Health Care
101.8
Miscellaneous
109.3

Crime

Is Madison, WI a safe place to live?

Madison is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 360 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. 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
360
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,450
Crime Index
2,810
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Madison, WI year-round?

Madison experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
12°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $75,900 and a low poverty rate of 18.0%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 62% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 18% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$45,800
Household Income
$75,900
Family Income
$104,300
Per Capita Income
$42,700
Income Male
$54,600
Income Female
$47,500
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Non English Speakers
18.9%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Public Transport Usage
18.4%
Commute Time
20.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.2%
Bachelors or More
61.8%

Education

How are the schools in Madison, WI?

Madison offers quality education options, with public schools like West High School and Memorial High 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 Area Technical College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
West High School
Street
30 Ash St
Phone
608-204-4100
Students
2,050
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
Memorial High School
Street
2101 Fish Hatchery Rd
Phone
608-663-5990
Students
1,920
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1

Private Schools

Name
Edgewood Campus School
Street
6230 University Ave
Phone
608-663-2333
Students
300
Name
Abundant Life Christian School
Street
4901 E Buckeye Rd
Phone
608-241-5483
Students
420

Colleges

Name
University of Wisconsin–Madison
City
Madison
State
WI
Distance
0 miles
Students
50,000
Name
Madison Area Technical College
City
Madison
State
WI
Distance
0 miles
Students
13,000

Healthcare

Madison residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UW Health University Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison, and UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 95.1% 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 - Madison
Address
700 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715
Phone
(608) 258-8100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital
Address
202 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715
Phone
(608) 417-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
95.1%
Health Care Index
79.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Madison, WI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $390,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 46%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.6%. Madison offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate
45.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

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
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
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 269,840, median home value $390,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,520, commute time 20.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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