Wisconsin Rapids 74 Excellent
Wisconsin Rapids Livability #161 ranked city in Wisconsin#4,386 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Wisconsin Rapids

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • 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
  • Commute 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.

  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

What's it like Living in Wisconsin Rapids?

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin is a moderately-sized city with a population of 18,260 people. According to the most recent Census, 88% of Wisconsin Rapids residents are White, 4% Asian and 1% Black. In Wisconsin Rapids, only 49% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, housing, 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 Wisconsin Rapids is 75 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 87th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Wisconsin Rapids could be a great choice! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Wisconsin Rapids has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Wisconsin Rapids. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: employment (F).

If you're considering living in Wisconsin Rapids, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Wisconsin Rapids provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Wisconsin Rapids 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.

Assuming that Wisconsin Rapids meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Wisconsin Rapids. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Wisconsin Rapids are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Wisconsin Rapids come in at $164,511, which is 45.4% lower than the Wisconsin average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wisconsin Rapids, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 35.1% lower than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wisconsin Rapids

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Wisconsin Rapids?

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      Wisconsin Rapids transportation information

      Statistic Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute22min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.1%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.2%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home4.9%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Wisconsin Rapids, 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.