Living in Appleton, WI
Appleton is the 513th-largest city in the US, home to about 75,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.4 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 75,452-0.3% since 2020
- Median home value
- $231,4002.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,030/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $80,483median, per year
- Price level
- 92.4US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 25° / 82°lows 10° / 61°
- Average commute
- 19 min13% work from home
- State income tax
- 7.65%top rate, graduated
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County: Outagamie County, Calumet County, Winnebago County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 794 ft
Metro area: Appleton, WI
Cost of living in Appleton
The median home in Appleton is worth $231,400 and the median household earns $80,483 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,030 a month, about 15% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Appleton, WI metro area at 92.4, with housing at 70.8 and goods at 93.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,300 here. Wisconsin taxes wages at a top rate of 7.65%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Wisconsin is 5.72%.
What would my salary be worth in Appleton?
Appleton weather
Average highs run from 25°F in January to 82°F in July, and January nights average 10°F. It gets 33 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 49 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 157 times a year. The most comfortable months are May and July to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Appleton
People and work
The median resident is 37.5 years old, and 38% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 67% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 19 minutes; 13% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.5344th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 38%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 67%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,96825.4 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 3.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 8.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1971median year
Who moves to Appleton, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), Madison (Dane County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), Madison (Dane County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Outagamie County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: lightning, cold wave.
Home prices
+5.1% in a year
Up 57% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Appleton, WI area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
72% good days
9 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Appleton, WI area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Appleton
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 2.9 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 8% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 19 minutes each way on average.
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Outagamie County relatively low overall.
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 49 inches a year.
Appleton report card from locals
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Cities near Appleton
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay, WI | 23 mi | 106,675 | $207,200 | 93.1 | Compare |
| Milwaukee, WI | 94 mi | 562,407 | $184,000 | 96.9 | Compare |
| Madison, WI | 101 mi | 286,233 | $372,900 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Racine, WI | 116 mi | 77,908 | $166,500 | 96.0 | Compare |
| Kenosha, WI | 125 mi | 99,239 | $225,200 | 101.1 | Compare |
| Waukegan, IL | 140 mi | 87,940 | $190,900 | 103.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Appleton a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes; the trade-offs are heavy snow. Compare Appleton side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Appleton?
The Census Bureau estimates Appleton had 75,452 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 75,674 in April 2020 (-0.3%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Appleton?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,300 in the Appleton area. The median household here earns $80,483.
When is the best time to visit Appleton?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May and July to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 82°F and January 25°F for daytime highs.
What county is Appleton in?
Most of Appleton (82% of its land) is in Outagamie County. Smaller parts lie in Calumet County and Winnebago County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Appleton in?
Appleton is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Appleton?
About 794 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Wisconsin have a state income tax?
Yes. Wisconsin has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 7.65% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Appleton. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Appleton, WI metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Appleton, WI station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.