Madison, WI

Madison WI scores 63/100 on safety (below average). Crime is about 9% below the national average. Expect more property crime (car break-ins, package theft) than a quiet suburb.

Detail: overall crime index 91 (100 = avg); violent crime index 74; property crime index 108. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Madison. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Madison is about $1,413/month (moderate). At $1,413/month for a typical unit, you need about $50,868+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $372,900.

Median household income is $78,050, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($78,050) clears the $50,868 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 54°F (highs near 63°F, lows near 46°F).

Cooler months cut into patio season; plan indoor hobbies for part of the year. Heating will show up on winter bills more than AC does in summer. If you visit, go in January. That is when the cold is honest.

Who tends to thrive in Madison: (1) Households earning $50,868+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,413/month (2) Movers with a locked job offer in Madison who already priced rent and commute (3) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing (4) People who will visit on a weekday and a weekend before committing (not just a long weekend)

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 63/100) (2) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Madison does not clear every bar) (3) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $50,868 household income for $1,413/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Madison holds up well on the core metrics we publish. Safety at 63/100 makes it a reasonable choice for households who can manage $1,413/month rent. Verify school ratings for your target ZIP separately.