Appleton, WI vs Waukesha, WI
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
Waukesha
73.6
#715 nationally
Waukesha leads in crime level (3.1 vs 5.5). Appleton leads in walk score (44 vs 35). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 21.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 73.6 (#715) |
| Population | 74,719 | 70,446 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $428,498 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $77,558 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 21.8 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 3.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 103 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | R+19.8 |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
C
73.6 Score
Waukesha, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$428,498
Population
70,446
Crime
Low
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Waukesha, WI →