2017’s Best Places to Raise a Family in Wisconsin

Cheese connoisseurs, Packers fans and nature lovers flock to Wisconsin all year for special reasons. But America’s Dairyland, as the Midwest state is popularly known, offers far more incentives for visitors to stay — for good.

Ranked the No. 11 best state to raise kids by WalletHub, Wisconsin is particularly suitable for low-budget, child-focused family life. The state beats 47 others plus the District of Columbia in affordability, and children are guaranteed to receive some of the best K–12 education in the U.S. This year, the state’s education budget was set to be the highest in Wisconsin history. And there’s good news for family breadwinners, too: In the first quarter of 2017, the state reported strong wage growth, while the unemployment rate, ranked 11th lowest in the nation as of August, currently sits at a 17-year low.

But Wisconsin’s not all about work, school and no play. Besides the state’s economic and educational advances, Wisconsin boasts numerous fun activities to keep every member of the family entertained.

Every city is different, however. To determine the places that combine all of Wisconsin’s best qualities, WalletHub’s analysts compared more than 80 of the state’s largest cities across 21 key indicators of family-friendliness. Our data set ranges from median annual income to housing affordability to number of attractions. Read on for our findings, expert insight on family matters and a full description of our methodology.

Main Findings

Best Places to Raise a Family in Wisconsin

Ask the Experts

Families share a number of common priorities when choosing a new place to call home. With that in mind, we asked a panel of experts in fields such as family studies and public health to share their insight regarding the process of evaluating prospective Wisconsin cities on a family’s shortlist. Click on the experts’ profiles below to read their bios and their thoughts on the following key questions:

1. What are some tips for young families looking for quality public schools and affordable housing in Wisconsin?
2. How can local officials in Wisconsin make their cities more attractive to young families?
3. Looking just within Wisconsin, to what degree is child development and a family’s quality of life influenced by the city they live in?

• Tracie Blumentritt Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• Ryan A. McKelley Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• Tatiana Joseph Assistant Professor in Curriculum and Instruction, Second Language Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, School of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
• Susan Turgeson Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
• Lisa M. Coen Children's Nature Academy Director at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Tracie Blumentritt

Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

What are some tips for young families looking for quality public schools and affordable housing in Wisconsin?

As for schooling, many people find it useful to review the state school report card available on the Department of Public Instruction website. They also have lots of other useful information (e.g., teacher-student ratio) when evaluating schools and districts.

About affordable housing -- perhaps regional FHA or HUD offices would help. We used a realtor recommended by the local Chamber of Commerce.

How can local officials in Wisconsin make their cities more attractive to young families?

When we moved to Wisconsin, there were three things we looked for:

• High-quality schools;

• Safe neighborhoods;

• Plenty of parks, good public libraries, and child-friendly/focused activities and places, such as a children's museum.

Fortunately, we were able to find all three when we moved to La Crosse. We are also fortunate to live in an area of great natural beauty, with bluffs and rivers, and canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, camping -- all within a few miles. It is truly a beautiful part of Wisconsin.

Looking just within Wisconsin, to what degree is child development and a family’s quality of life influenced by the city they live in?

Child development and child welfare are tremendously influenced by the environment which we live in. They can be places that foster and encourage healthy development, or conversely, places that make it difficult for many children and their families to thrive and prosper. And for some groups of people in Wisconsin, our state and my city are places that do contribute to child well-being. However, that does not hold for all families. The group that struggles the most in Wisconsin are African American families. In fact, several reports have shown that Wisconsin the worst state in the U.S. to raise black children.

Further, and just anecdotally, I have known many black faculty members who left Wisconsin because of the generally oppressive and racist environment they encountered while living here. And it's not just the systemic and institutional racism that exists in most places in the U.S. Here, there are usually covert (and occasionally overt) displays of resentment and fear of black people. It's the nasty looks and long stares (this, I have seen myself, including outright double takes when a black person walks into a convenience store or somewhere else), the sometimes hateful and ignorant comments or snide remarks said under the breath, or the stupid, racist comments people leave in the local newspaper when it's an African American face on the crime page. Honestly, if I were an African American (with or without children), I would not move to Wisconsin.

Ryan A. McKelley

Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

What are some tips for young families looking for quality public schools and affordable housing in Wisconsin?

My wife has worked in the PK-12 school systems of six different states (including Wisconsin), so she is pretty skilled at looking for information about them. We got most of our local information from colleagues who had children in the schools, or those that worked in them. A very useful and practical place to find information is the Department of Public Instruction. They publish all of the annual school report cards that rate the schools on various criteria. It can also be helpful to look at county land parcel websites to look at the assessments and annual property taxes for homes while searching. Another tip would be meeting with several realtors, or checking out estimated property values.

How can local officials in Wisconsin make their cities more attractive to young families?

I’ve been most impressed with the communities that are building bike-friendly roads and trails, as well as all-ability inclusive public parks. The area around La Crosse is perfect for young families, and has also encouraged development of local businesses (primarily around good food and drink) that have family-friendly options. Any community that works hard to provide family leisure activities that don’t involve screens and streaming media is a must.

Our community has several large pools with water slides, outdoor parks, a splash pad with gentle fountains, a children’s museum, and offers countless weekend activities. My wife and I lived in large U.S. cities for a long time, so we wanted to raise our kids with less congestion and more family-friendly options. We are close enough to large cities to go on weekends for museums, shows, etc., but find that our community offers a lot for young families. Kids are certainly central to designing cities to be attractive to young families, but you can’t be successful without also making them attractive to the non-child parts of parents’ lives, too.

Looking just within Wisconsin, to what degree is child development and a family’s quality of life influenced by the city they live in?

One of the amazing things about humans is their ability to adapt to a wide variety of environments. People need quality healthcare, access to healthy food and activities, strong schools, and competent child care services and support. The communities in Wisconsin that I’ve seen thrive have those things, and actively work to be places people want to live in through community programming. We are lucky to be in the La Crosse area because of two major hospitals, three colleges and universities, a strong value on health and the outdoors, excellent public schools, and several large employers. My wife and I are not from Wisconsin, but have been amazed by how many young families move back to La Crosse if they left earlier for college or work. We’ve chosen to stay here because it has been a great place to raise our two daughters.

Tatiana Joseph

Assistant Professor in Curriculum and Instruction, Second Language Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, School of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

What are some tips for young families looking for quality public schools and affordable housing in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is home to many great public school districts, whether you are looking to live in a rural, suburban or urban city, public schools in Wisconsin are led by quality instructors who offer state of the art programming. Public schools in Wisconsin are also know for unique programming, that is often private in many cities around the nation. For example, Milwaukee Public schools offers a number of schools with Montessori programming and IB schools. Wisconsin also offers the flexibility to parents to send children to neighboring public school districts. For example, many families in Milwaukee Public schools live outside of Milwaukee but enroll their children in MPS for Montessori, or language immersion programming.

As a parent of a soon to be k4, and a city of Milwaukee resident I am overjoyed by the opportunities available for my child. It is inspiring to know that public school districts, the backbone of our cities, are changing daily, for the better, in order to provide ALL children with quality educational opportunities.

In regards to housing, many cities across WI offer a combination of charm cities, great schools/ other public services for a great price. What I love most about cities across WI is the representation of diversity!

How can local officials in Wisconsin make their cities more attractive to young families?

Local officials need to make the issue of education a primary issue. They have to ensure that funding is available and fair. Although WI is a very affordable state, local officials need to ensure our work force is paid living wages and has access to health care and other services to ensure that families have an opportunity to grow strong.

We have to keep investing in green spaces and opportunities for families to explore their surroundings. We also have to invest in crime prevention measures!

Looking just within Wisconsin, to what degree is child development and a family’s quality of life influenced by the city they live in?

I believe cities are the driving force behind family life. If the city is hurting with lack of quality work, low paying wages, lack of healthcare, food desserts, etc. family life is affected tremendously. Families need opportunities and spaces to be families, to worry about creating memories and enjoying their time.

Susan Turgeson

Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

What are some tips for young families looking for quality public schools and affordable housing in Wisconsin?

Remember to look at smaller cities and towns that are within your commuting range. Many options exist just minutes outside larger city limits. Be sure to visit city officials and potential neighbors to get some feedback before making decisions.

How can local officials in Wisconsin make their cities more attractive to young families?

Access to quality health care, education, and youth development programing are key needs for young families. Supporting wellness initiatives and programs that service the population makes a community more vibrant. Access to recreational areas and parks, farmers markets and community gardens, bike and pedestrian friendly streets, and various cultural events make cities more attractive to all residents.

Looking just within Wisconsin, to what degree is child development and a family’s quality of life influenced by the city they live in?

The context in which one lives plays a significant role. Most people think fondly of their hometown and the place where they grew up, and recognize the impact that place had on who they have become. Families care very much about where they will “plant their roots.” Where one lives impacts interpersonal interactions and available opportunities. The more one’s community supports positive relationships and provides a caring, encouraging environment that values youth, the more likely that individuals will develop positive identities, and become caring, responsible, and productive citizens.

Lisa M. Coen

Children's Nature Academy Director at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

What are some tips for young families looking for quality public schools and affordable housing in Wisconsin?

Quality public schools and affordable housing impact families in many ways, other than just in the realm of knowledge and learning. Many young families are looking for a community or extended family when they look at schools and housing. Despite increasingly busy lifestyles, relationships still remain at the core of the community. The families of your children’s friends become your friends, and as your children grow up together, bonds are created. Historically, families stayed in the community in which they grew up with. However, this is no longer the case, and families can and often do move to areas where there are opportunities. Thus, making this question even more important.

• Look for neighborhoods that are safe. Talk to individuals from the community who have experienced the housing and school system. Recognize that everyone’s experiences are different, yet although perspectives may differ, find a commonality that may provide insight your family may use.

• Utilize resources. Resources for families are everywhere, yet many times they are not always easy to locate. Talk to health care providers, the local library, the church, childcare resources and referral, and to the school district directly.

• Do your research and be a critical thinker. Information is readily available to everyone in today’s society. Seek information from reputable sources.

How can local officials in Wisconsin make their cities more attractive to young families?

Local officials who are active in the community will have a better understanding of the needs of families. Informal conversations can provide local officials with new insight that cannot always be gained through carefully constructed agendas.

Looking just within Wisconsin, to what degree is child development and a family’s quality of life influenced by the city they live in?

Child development and quality of life is highly influenced by the values of the city. Over the past 20 years, threats to families have changed dramatically. Every day we hear stories of violence and drugs, and safety concerns in general are worries that a family carries with them every day. Yet, people cannot thrive in isolation. Adding green spaces and parks, providing places where people can gather, abundant opportunities for culture and entertainment are all steps that can promote healthy living. 30 years ago, when I was getting my undergraduate degree in education, we learned about the importance of a child’s background of experience. This has not changed. When communities can provide abundant experience for children and families, it is reflected in the child’s development and capacity for learning. Childhood was once, and still can be, a time where play and carefree attitudes triumph.

Methodology

To help families find the best Wisconsin cities in which to put down roots, WalletHub’s analysts compared a sample of 85 cities in the state across four key dimensions: 1) Family Life & Fun, 2) Education, Health & Safety, 3) Affordability and 4) Socio-economics. Our sample considers only the city proper in each case and excludes cities in the surrounding metro area.

We evaluated the four dimensions using 21 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most suitable conditions for family life.

Finally, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its total score and used the resulting scores to rank-order the cities in our sample.

Family Life & Fun – Total Points: 25

• Playgrounds per Capita: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
• Number of Attractions: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
  Note: “Attractions” includes, for instance, museums, theaters and zoos.
• Share of Families with Children Aged 0 to 17: Double Weight (~8.33 Points)
• Weather: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)
  Note: Based on WalletHub’s Cities with the Best & Worst Weather ranking
• Average Commute Time: Full Weight (~4.17 Points)

Education, Health & Safety – Total Points: 25

• Quality of School System: Full Weight (~2.94 Points)
• High School Graduation Rate: Half Weight (~1.47 Points)
• Air Quality: Full Weight (~2.94 Points)
• Pediatricians per Capita: Full Weight (~2.94 Points)
• Share of Uninsured Children: Full Weight (~2.94 Points)
  Note: “Children” include the population aged 0 to 17.
• Violent-Crime Rate per Capita: Double Weight (~5.88 Points)
• Property-Crime Rate per Capita: Double Weight (~5.88 Points)

Affordability – Total Points: 25

• Housing Affordability: Full Weight (~12.50 Points)
  Note: This metric was calculated as follows: Housing Costs (accounts for both rental and sale prices) / Median Annual Family Income.
• General Affordability: Full Weight (~12.50 Points)
  Note: This metric was calculated as follows: Median Annual Family Income / Cost-of-Living Index.

Socio-economics – Total Points: 25

• Separation & Divorce Rate: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
• Share of Two-Parent Families: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
• Share of Families Living Below Poverty Level: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
• Share of Households Receiving Food Stamps: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
• Unemployment Rate: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
• Wealth Gap: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
• Foreclosure Rate: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Environmental Protection Agency, County Health Rankings, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Renwood RealtyTrac, SchoolDigger.com, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Areavibes and WalletHub research.