Moving to Wisconsin statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Wisconsin?

Approximately 114,938 people moved to Wisconsin in 2023, while 100,085 moved out. This represents a net gain of 14,853 residents. Between a positive influx of both domestic and international migrants, the state attracted roughly 53 movers per day between 2022 and 2023.

The Badger State is one of the few to receive positive international and domestic migration while also gaining population from births. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Wisconsin ranked as the 39th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Wisconsin

With high education and health care scores based on data collected from several sources and accounting for weighted factors, Wisconsin ranks as the 17th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. The state also has one of the highest safety scores on our list.

Of those moving to the Badger State, the majority are choosing to relocate to Madison and its surrounding suburbs. The city of Madison attracted the most new residents, adding 5,661 (2.1% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Suburbs of Madison that saw the highest growth include Sun Prairie, Middleton and Fitchburg, where population increases of 5.3%, 5.2% and 4.2% occurred, respectively.

Menomonee Falls — a suburb of Milwaukee — was the only area outside of the Madison metro to make our list, attracting 1,177 new residents (3.1% growth) within the same period.

The top five cities people moved to in Wisconsin between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Wisconsin?

Affordable housing and safety, as well as quality health care and education, make Wisconsin an appealing place to raise a family. Housing costs are 26.2% below the national median — representing savings that are further amplified by high-paying job opportunities.

Speaking of, employment opportunities are another factor driving movers to the state. The largest industries are trade, transportation, and utilities, manufacturing, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ nearly 50% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in Wisconsin is construction, growing at a rate of 2.8% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Wisconsin housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,150 and a median home sale price of $310,200, Wisconsin renters and homeowners can expect to pay at least 26% less than the national median for housing.

However, at 1.61%, Wisconsin also has the eighth highest property taxes in the nation. The tax rate here is more than double that of 19 states, including California.

In 2021, the average property owner in Dane County — where Madison is located — paid $5,601 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid in the Badger State is higher than in other states but varies greatly by county. Residents in Dane County paid the most, while those in Rusk County paid substantially less with an average of $1,726.

Cost-of-living statistics in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s cost-of-living index is 95, giving it a middle-of-the-road ranking for affordability. The median household income here is $72,556 — just slightly below the national average — but median housing costs over 26% below the national median help offset any negative impacts of this. The unemployment rate of 2.9% is also far below the national average of 4.2%.

The price per gallon of gas in the Badger State ($3.25) is also just slightly less than the national average of $3.26. Despite a nearly complete lack of oil and gas production, lower demand in colder months helps reduce gas prices. However, the state generally lacks green initiatives, ranking as the 41st most green state in the country.

For would-be movers, Wisconsin offers an affordable cost of living, with household incomes and gas prices close to national medians.

Who lives in Wisconsin?

An estimated 5,910,955 people live in Wisconsin as of 2023, making it the 20th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 20,412 people compared to 2022.

Wisconsin’s population is split nearly evenly male and female, with men accounting for about 50.1% of the population and women accounting for 49.9%. In 2023, around 2.96 million Wisconsin residents were male, and 2.95 million were female.

On average, Wisconsin’s population is also a bit older (40.6 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Both those aged 25 to 44 and 45 to 64 years old make up an equal share of the state’s demographics, accounting for 25.2% of the population each.

White residents account for the largest share of Wisconsinites, approximating 86.4% of the population (5.1 million people). This is followed by Hispanic and Black residents, who account for 8.1% and 6.6% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Wisconsin

Not sure how to start your move to Wisconsin? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Wisconsin has a below-average cost of living, expenses still vary greatly by region. For instance, both Madison and Milwaukee have much higher housing costs than areas in the Northwoods. Before making the move, we recommend researching property taxes, housing prices and average utility costs in the specific area you plan to move to. Wisconsin.gov offers resources that can help you budget accordingly.

2. Explore the job market

With an economy driven by both new technologies and old industries, Wisconsin offers something for everyone. Major hubs like Madison offer high-paying tech and health care opportunities, while other portions of the state focus on agriculture or manufacturing. You can check local job listings through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.

3. Prepare for harsh winters

Due to its inland, northern location, Wisconsin experiences harsh, snowy winters. Temperatures can regularly dip into the negatives, making it essential to invest in quality winter gear like insulated jackets, snow boots and gloves. Keeping your home’s HVAC systems in working order and stocking up on tools like snow shovels and ice scrapers can also make winter months less painful. You can stay informed on the latest weather updates using the National Weather Service website.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

While Cheeseheads are safe from hurricanes and earthquakes, heavy snowfall in the north and tornadoes in the south are both a concern. Tornado season runs from April through September, with the worst months being June and July. We recommend researching emergency preparedness tips and keeping up to date on weather alerts through the Wisconsin Emergency Management website.

5. Research transportation options

While Wisconsin is largely car-dependent, major cities like Milwaukee and Madison offer alternative transportation options in the form of buses and bike-friendly infrastructure. For those who do drive, the state maintains high-quality, toll-free roads and highways for easy access. However, you should also prepare for winter travel by investing in snow tires. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website for commuting options and information about road conditions.

6. Embrace the great outdoors

Home to charming lakes, bluffs and forests, Wisconsin is an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise. Whether you want to enjoy a day of outdoor recreation at Wisconsin Dells or explore the untouched wonders of the Northwoods, there’s something to do year-round. Check out the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website to find parks, trails and outdoor activities near you.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Wisconsin, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.