Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Whitewater, WI
Considering a move to Whitewater, WI? This vibrant college town of about 14,889 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $240,000 and average rents near $900. The city features a youthful vibe thanks to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, short average commutes of 15 minutes, and a cost of living well below the national average. With relatively low violent crime rates (220 per 100k), good public schools, and four distinct Midwest seasons, Whitewater is a friendly spot for families and students alike.
Demographics - Whitewater, WI
Demographics - Whitewater, WI
Whitewater is a youthful college town with a population of 14,889 and a median age of just 22.7, reflecting its vibrant student community. The city is predominantly White (81.1%), with a notable presence of non-English speakers at 10.3%, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. Residents enjoy a dense, close-knit environment with 2,600 people per square mile.
Population:
14,889
Density:
2,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.1%
Black:
4.7%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
11.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Whitewater, WI?
Whitewater offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $240,000 and average rents near $900. The overall cost of living index of 89.5 is below the national average, making daily expenses such as groceries and utilities especially budget-friendly. State income taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%, contributing to manageable monthly costs for residents.
Median House Value:
$240,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
80.1
Utilities:
96.8
Transportation:
85.5
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Whitewater, WI a safe place to live?
Whitewater maintains a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes at 220 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,480 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 454 chance of experiencing violent crime, offering a sense of safety for families and students. Overall, the city enjoys a reputation for safe, community-oriented living.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,700
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 454
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Whitewater, WI year-round?
Whitewater experiences four distinct seasons, from cold winters with lows around 12°F to warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The city enjoys about 59% sunny days annually and receives an average of 34.3 inches of rainfall. These weather patterns provide ample opportunities for seasonal activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The community in Whitewater is diverse and supportive, with a household income of $40,200 and a poverty rate of 29.7%, largely influenced by the student population. Educational attainment is high, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma and 34.3% earning a bachelor’s degree or more. Commutes are short, averaging just over 15 minutes, and public transportation usage is low.
Median Income:
$18,000
Household Income:
$40,200
Family Income:
$63,000
Per Capita Income:
$15,660
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$31,900
Poverty Rate:
29.7%
Non English Speakers:
10.3%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
15.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
34.3%
Education
How are the schools in Whitewater, WI?
Whitewater boasts strong public and private school options, including Whitewater High School and Lincoln Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, which enrolls about 11,500 students and contributes to the vibrant, academic atmosphere. Educational opportunities are readily available for all age groups.
Public Schools
Name:
Whitewater High School
Street:
534 S. Elizabeth St
Phone:
262-472-8100
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Lincoln Elementary School
Street:
242 S. Prince St
Phone:
262-472-8500
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
Street:
116 S. Elizabeth St
Phone:
262-473-3143
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
City:
Whitewater
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,500
Healthcare
Whitewater provides access to primary and family medical care through local clinics, with 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is high at 91%, and the area features a healthcare index of 67.2, reflecting accessible basic services. Emergency care options may require travel to nearby cities, but routine healthcare needs are well met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic
Address:
529 S. Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone:
(262) 473-0400
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Mercyhealth Whitewater
Address:
516 E. Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone:
(262) 473-0400
Type:
Family Medicine
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Whitewater, WI?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $240,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $900. Homeownership is less common, with only 37.5% of homes owner-occupied, reflecting a high student population and rental demand. The market is stable, with a 6% appreciation rate over the past year and a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.0%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Whitewater residents are served by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Milton. The DMV provides standard licensing and vehicle registration services, and information is easily accessible through the state’s online portal. This makes handling transportation needs straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1845 N. Janesville St, Milton, WI 53563
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.