B-

Overall

5.9MPopulation

Wisconsin

Quick Overview

Wisconsin is a Midwestern state with a population of approximately 5.9 million, characterized by a median age of 40.1 years. The demographic profile is predominantly White, with only 2.7% of the population being foreign-born, reflecting a relatively low level of ethnic diversity. The state has a median household income of $75,670 and a median home value of $247,400, with homeownership rates at 67.9%. Education levels are moderate, with 32.8% of residents holding college degrees. Economically, Wisconsin has a diverse economy with notable employers in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, contributing to a stable economic trajectory. The violent crime rate stands at 222.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, indicating a relatively low level of violent crime compared to national averages.

Demographics of Wisconsin

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 36

Population5,892,023

Foreign Born2.7%

Population Density109people per mi²

Median Age40.1 yrs

Avg. Household Size2.35

Demographics Trajectory

StableSince 2000, this state has held a relatively stable population and racial composition.

Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown

Population Trends of Wisconsin

Quality of Life in Wisconsin

Overall Quality Of Life

B-

Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

What does Quality of Life tell us?

Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.

Cost of Living

89/100

11% below national average

A+

Affordability Ratio

107%

The Real Cost of Living in Wisconsin for 2026

Tier	Individual	Family (4)
Survival	$17k	$31k
Comfortable	$48k	$71k
Luxury	$131k+	$203k+
Elite (Top 5%)	$154k+	$239k+

Economics in Wisconsin

Overall Economy Grade

B-

Good

Solid upper-middle-class performance. The area runs slightly ahead of national economic benchmarks.

Median HHIMedian Household Income

$76k+4.4%

1% above US avg

Avg Net Worth

$661k

1% above US avg

WFHWork From Home

11.6%

19% below US avg

HomeownershipHomeownership Rate

67.9%

4% above US avg

Median HomeMedian Home Value

$247k

12% below US avg

Avg HH DebtAvg Household Debt

$18k

3% above US avg

Poverty Rate

10.6%

8% below US avg

Public Assistance

11.5%

2% below US avg

UnemploymentUnemployment Rate

3.3%

11% below US avg

Median RentMedian Rent / mo

$1k

10% below US avg

Crime in Wisconsin

Overall Crime Grade

Safe

Generally safer than 64% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate

11.5

Incidents per 1,000 residents

5yr Trend

−34.8%

Overall crime change since 2020

Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis

5yr−30.7%

Homicide

0.04 / 1k Residents44% below US avg

Robbery

0.27 / 1k Residents59% below US avg

Aggravated Assault

1.64 / 1k Residents39% below US avg

Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis

5yr−38.8%

Burglary

0.88 / 1k Residents68% below US avg

Larceny-Theft

7.10 / 1k Residents49% below US avg

Motor Vehicle Theft

1.21 / 1k Residents57% below US avg

Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate in Wisconsin

Cook PVI: D+1Swing

State Legislature of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Senate15D · 18R

Wisconsin House45D · 54R

Presidential Voting Trends for Wisconsin

Dem Rep

Personal Sovereignty in Wisconsin

What does Personal Sovereignty tell us?

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade

C+

Moderate

Moderate friction. Expect trade-offs in some aspect of personal liberty and independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden

C-

Weak10.9% of income

Property Rights

C-

FairIJ Grade C-

Firearm Rights

B-

GoodFPC Grade B-

Homeschooling

A-

GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (15% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk

A-

OpenFarm sales legal

Gambling Laws

D+

RestrictedTribal ✓ · Poker ✓ · Betting ✗

Marijuana Laws

ProhibitedIllegal

Homesteading

Growing Season166 daysstatewide average

Annual Rainfall36.5"statewide average

Elevation1,232 ftstatewide average

Strategic Assessment of Wisconsin

What does the Strategic Assessment tell us?

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)

Overall Strategic Grade

C-

Exposed

Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.