Wisconsin, known for its cheese, lakes, and friendly Midwestern charm, offers a unique blend of affordability and quality of life. Let’s explore key aspects of living in America’s Dairyland.
Cost of Living
Wisconsin boasts a cost of living that’s 2% lower than the national average:
- Housing costs are 11% lower than the national average
- Utilities are 3% higher
- Food costs are on par with the national average
- Healthcare is 10% higher
- Transportation costs are not specified
This affordability makes Wisconsin an attractive option for many residents, with cities like Green Bay and Fond Du Lac offering costs of living 8% and 10% below the national average, respectively.
Housing Market
The Wisconsin housing market remains relatively affordable:
- Median home value: $310,000 (as of October 2024)
- Year-over-year increase: 10%
- Average time on market: 50 days
While prices have risen, they remain below the national median, making homeownership more attainable for many Wisconsinites.
Education
Wisconsin’s education system shows both strengths and areas for improvement:
- Ranked 19th overall in education according to recent rankings
- 84% of public schools met or exceeded state expectations for the 2023-24 school year
- Strong ACT scores, with an average composite score well above the national average
The state continues to work on enhancing its education system, with a focus on improving overall educational outcomes.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Wisconsin presents a mixed picture:
- UW Health University Hospital in Madison ranked as the top hospital in the state
- Several hospitals received national recognition in various specialties
- Faces challenges in overall healthcare quality and access
While there’s room for improvement, Wisconsin boasts some top-tier medical facilities and specialties.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Wisconsin’s infrastructure received a ‘C+’ grade in the 2024 Report Card for Wisconsin’s Infrastructure:
- Roads improved from a ‘D+’ to a ‘C’ since 2020
- Bridges maintained a ‘C+’ grade
- Public transit and wastewater systems received ‘D+’ grades
- Ranked among the top states for overall infrastructure
The state has made significant efforts to improve its infrastructure, with major investments in road and bridge maintenance.
In conclusion, Wisconsin in 2024 offers a compelling mix of affordability and quality of life. While challenges exist in areas such as healthcare and certain infrastructure categories, the state’s lower-than-average cost of living, improving education system, and ongoing infrastructure investments make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and opportunity in the heart of the Midwest.
Citations:
[1] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/wi/
[2] https://fox11online.com/news/local/wisconsin-realtors-association-report-more-homes-available-but-more-expensive
[3] https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-school-report-cards-released-2024
[4] https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/wi
[5] https://www.tmj4.com/news/state-capitol/heres-how-wisconsin-scored-on-a-new-infrastructure-report-card
[6] https://wisconsinbikefed.org/advocacy/wisconsin-improves-state-ranking-more-work-to-be-done/
[7] https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-wisconsin
[8] https://innago.com/wisconsin-housing-market-trends-forecast/
[9] https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/public-school-rankings-by-state
[10] https://infrastructurereportcard.org/wisconsins-infrastructure-grade-improves-in-2024-report-card/
