Living in Racine, WI
Racine is the 484th-largest city in the US, home to about 78,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (96.0 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 77,908-0.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $166,5002.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,033/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $57,740median, per year
- Price level
- 96.0US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 31° / 81°lows 16° / 63°
- Average commute
- 23 min7% work from home
- State income tax
- 7.65%top rate, graduated
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County: Racine County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 617 ft
Metro area: Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI
Cost of living in Racine
The median home in Racine is worth $166,500 and the median household earns $57,740 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,033 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI metro area at 96.0, with housing at 92.0 and goods at 93.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $72,000 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 Racine?
Racine weather
Average highs run from 30°F in January to 81°F in July, and January nights average 16°F. It gets 32 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 41 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 126 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Racine
People and work
The median resident is 34.7 years old, and 21% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 60% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 7% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 34.7172nd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 21%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 60%of households
- People per sq mile
- 5,03515.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%1% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 6.1%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 18.2%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1953median year
Who moves to Racine, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Las Vegas (Clark County) and Winnebago County, WI. 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 Moderate
FEMA rating for Racine County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, strong wind, lightning, cold wave.
Home prices
+7.2% in a year
Up 57% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI area, 2026 Q2.
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.
Parks and sights near Racine
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- American Family Field 23 miles
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 25 miles
- Marquette University 23 miles
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside 6 miles
- Carthage College 7 miles
- Milwaukee School of Engineering 23 miles
- Carroll University 29 miles
- Lake Forest College 33 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Racine
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport MKE | 16 mi | 3,104,054 |
| O'Hare International Airport ORD | 52 mi | 38,575,693 |
| Midway International Airport MDW | 65 mi | 10,360,093 |
| Chicago Rockford International Airport RFD | 76 mi | 132,154 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Racine
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 25 mi | 16,758 | $15,625 | 50% |
| Marquette University | 23 mi | 7,660 | $30,561 | 79% |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | 6 mi | 2,844 | $11,233 | 41% |
| Carthage College | 7 mi | 2,660 | $26,444 | 66% |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | 23 mi | 2,654 | $27,027 | 63% |
| Wisconsin Lutheran College | 24 mi | 943 | $24,761 | 66% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Racine
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 24, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 13 and the first frost comes around October 24.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Racine Batten Airport, WI, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Racine.
Wildfire smoke in Racine
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Racine on about 130 days a year, including about 38 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Racine
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 31,970 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Racine
Downtown Racine is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racine School District | Pre-K to 12 | 15,781 | 25 | 13.3 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Kenosha School District (18,315 students), Oak Creek-Franklin School District (6,554 students), Westosha Central High School District (1,309 students), Union Grove Union High School District (1,032 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Racine's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Racine's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Buffalo, NY78% matchCompare
- Scranton, PA76% matchCompare
- Rochester, NY72% matchCompare
- Des Moines, IA70% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Racine
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Racine
- Wilmot Mountain 25 miles
- Alpine Valley Resort 32 miles
- Little Switzerland 49 miles
- Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl 82 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Racine
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.
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 41 inches a year.
Racine report card from locals
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Racine through locals' eyes
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Cities near Racine
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha, WI | 10 mi | 99,239 | $225,200 | 101.1 | Compare |
| Milwaukee, WI | 23 mi | 562,407 | $184,000 | 96.9 | Compare |
| Waukegan, IL | 25 mi | 87,940 | $190,900 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights, IL | 45 mi | 76,216 | $414,500 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Evanston, IL | 47 mi | 76,380 | $481,200 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Schaumburg, IL | 50 mi | 77,249 | $330,400 | 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.
Compare Racine with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Racine 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 Racine side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Racine?
The Census Bureau estimates Racine had 77,908 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 78,338 in April 2020 (-0.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Racine?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $72,000 in the Racine area. The median household here earns $57,740.
When is the best time to visit Racine?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 81°F and January 30°F for daytime highs.
What county is Racine in?
Racine is in Racine County, Wisconsin. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Racine in?
Racine is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Racine?
About 617 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 Racine. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Racine Batten Airport, WI station; snowfall from Racine, WI. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.