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
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
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
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.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Waunakee is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Wisconsin. The city has a population of 14,346 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Waunakee is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Waunakee your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Waunakee 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. Finding the best places to live in Waunakee and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Waunakee has a livability score of 77/100 and is ranked #92 in Wisconsin and #2,556 in the USA. Clearly, Waunakee is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Waunakee ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+) The bad news for Waunakee, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 105 crimes per 100,000 residents, Waunakee has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Waunakee, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.2% 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.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Waunakee, the average school test scores are an impressive 69%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Waunakee 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.
Waunakee real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Waunakee. The median home price for Waunakee homes is $659,107, which is 118.8% higher than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waunakee, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 2.7% higher than the Wisconsin average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Waunakee | Wisconsin | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.0% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.5% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.9% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Wisconsin
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Wisconsin
Most Dangerous States In The US