Sun Prairie 88 Exceptional
Sun Prairie Livability #17 ranked city in Wisconsin#235 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% 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 Sun Prairie

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Nothing Found Nothing Found

    None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.

What's it like Living in Sun Prairie?

Sun Prairie is a mid-sized city located in the state of Wisconsin. The city has a population of 35,107 residents. According to the most recent Census, 81% of Sun Prairie residents are White, 8% Black and 5% Asian.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Sun Prairie could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Wisconsin if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Sun Prairie and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Wisconsin and national averages.

The livability score in Sun Prairie is 87 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Sun Prairie would be considered a very livable city! Sun Prairie also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Sun Prairie has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B-), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+).

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Sun Prairie has a violent crime rate of 184 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Sun Prairie, the unemployment rate stands at 1.1%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Sun Prairie market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie are affordable. The median home price for Sun Prairie homes is $461,278, which is 53.1% higher than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Sun Prairie, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 8.1% higher than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sun Prairie

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Sun Prairie?

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Compare Sun Prairie, WI Livability

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      Sun Prairie transportation information

      Statistic Sun Prairie Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute22min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.2%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.9%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home9.2%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Sun Prairie, 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.