DeForest 72 Excellent
DeForest Livability #244 ranked city in Wisconsin#6,371 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in DeForest

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in DeForest?

Located in the state of Wisconsin, DeForest is a medium-sized city with a population of 10,758 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (85% White). Given that fact, DeForest could be considered less diverse than other cities.

Are you trying to decide if living in DeForest is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Wisconsin, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around DeForest, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education, employment, housing and more.

With a livability score of 70 out of 100, DeForest is ranked #6,843 in the United States and #259 in Wisconsin. For each of the livability categories, we know that DeForest ranks very well for crime (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). DeForest does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to 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. DeForest shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 80 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.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In DeForest, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0.8% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in DeForest can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in DeForest. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in DeForest are affordable. The median home price for DeForest homes is $433,433, which is 43.9% higher than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in DeForest, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 5.4% lower than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around DeForest

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Compare DeForest, WI Livability

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      DeForest transportation information

      Statistic DeForest Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute22min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.7%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.2%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.4%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home6.7%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The DeForest, 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.