Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Considering a move to Wisconsin Rapids, WI? This friendly city of 17,856 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $126,000 and average rents near $800. Wisconsin Rapids features a low average commute of 17 minutes, modest crime rates, and strong local schools, including Lincoln High School and Mid-State Technical College. Enjoy four distinct seasons, 53% sunny days, and a welcoming Midwestern atmosphere with a cost of living well below the national average.
Demographics - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Demographics - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Wisconsin Rapids is home to 17,856 residents, featuring a predominantly White population and a median age of 42.5, reflecting a stable, established community. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and a small but present multicultural population, with nearly 4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a blend of urban convenience and small-town charm.
Population:
17,856
Density:
1,370 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Wisconsin Rapids offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average, with an index of 82.4. Median home values are affordable at $126,000, and average rents are around $790, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, though healthcare costs are somewhat higher than average.
Median House Value:
$126,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$100
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.4
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
56.2
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
112.1
Miscellaneous:
94.4
Crime
Is Wisconsin Rapids, WI a safe place to live?
The city experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 271 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,965 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 369 chance of experiencing a violent crime, which is generally in line with similarly sized communities. Overall, Wisconsin Rapids is considered a safe place for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
271
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,965
Crime Index:
2,236
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 369
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Wisconsin Rapids, WI year-round?
Wisconsin Rapids features four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers where highs reach the low 80s. The city enjoys 53% sunny days annually and receives about 32 inches of rainfall each year, offering ample opportunities to experience the outdoors year-round. Residents should be prepared for chilly winters and mild, comfortable transitions through spring and fall.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
26°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Local households in Wisconsin Rapids have a median income of about $49,700, with a per capita income of $28,300 and a poverty rate near 15%. The area boasts a high rate of high school graduation at over 90%, and residents enjoy a short average commute of just over 17 minutes. Neighborhoods are friendly and tight-knit, with most people relying on personal vehicles for transportation.
Median Income:
$30,100
Household Income:
$49,700
Family Income:
$62,900
Per Capita Income:
$28,300
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$32,600
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
3.9%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Wisconsin Rapids provides strong educational options, including public schools like Lincoln High School with a favorable student-teacher ratio and private options such as Assumption Catholic Schools. For higher education, Mid-State Technical College is located within the city, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is just 21 miles away. The community's commitment to education is reflected in a high rate of high school graduates and accessible post-secondary opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Lincoln High School
Street:
1801 16th St S
Phone:
715-424-6760
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
East Junior High School
Street:
311 Lincoln St
Phone:
715-424-6730
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Assumption Catholic Schools
Street:
445 Chestnut St
Phone:
715-422-0900
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Mid-State Technical College
City:
Wisconsin Rapids
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
City:
Stevens Point
State:
WI
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
7,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Wisconsin Rapids is anchored by Aspirus Riverview Hospital, a full-service facility offering emergency care. The city maintains a strong physician presence with 1.8 doctors per 1,000 residents and high health insurance coverage at 93.6%. Access to healthcare services is convenient and well-supported for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Aspirus Riverview Hospital
Address:
410 Dewey St, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone:
(715) 423-6060
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
73.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
The housing market in Wisconsin Rapids is affordable, with a median home price of $126,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $800. Over 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 6.3% appreciation in home values over the past year. Both buyers and renters will find a variety of options with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$126,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
The Wisconsin Rapids DMV, operated by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, offers local residents convenient access to licensing and vehicle registration services. Located on 2nd Ave S, the office provides full support for drivers and vehicle owners. Additional resources and online services are available through the state DMV website.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1681 2nd Ave S, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
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.