Beaver Dam 71 Excellent
Beaver Dam Livability #253 ranked city in Wisconsin#6,688 ranked city in the USARanks better than 77% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Beaver Dam

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Beaver Dam?

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin is a moderately-sized city with a population of 16,884 residents. At 92%, the majority of the Beaver Dam population is White; this is followed by 2% Black and 1% Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Beaver Dam, only 50% of the population is married.

Living in Beaver Dam can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Wisconsin, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Beaver Dam and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Beaver Dam to Wisconsin and the national average.

Using data and statistics Beaver Dam has received a livability score of 71/100. This score is ranked in the 79th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Beaver Dam ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Beaver Dam does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Beaver Dam shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 146 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

The Beaver Dam unemployment rate of 2.6% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Beaver Dam excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Beaver Dam is actually affordable. The median home price for Beaver Dam homes is $247,530, which is 17.8% lower than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Beaver Dam, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 18.9% lower than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Beaver Dam

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Compare Beaver Dam, WI Livability

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      Beaver Dam transportation information

      Statistic Beaver Dam Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute22min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.4%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.3%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home3.7%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Beaver Dam, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.