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Dane County

#3 in Best Counties to Live in Wisconsin
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • County in Wisconsin
  • 12 reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    A
  2. Crime & Safety
    C+
  3. Housing
    B
  4. Nightlife
    A
  5. Good for Families
    A+
  6. Diversity
    B+
  7. Jobs
    A-
  8. Weather
    C
  9. Cost of Living
    C+
  10. Health & Fitness
    A
  11. Outdoor Activities
    A
  12. Commute
    A
View Full Report Card
Dane County is located in Wisconsin with a population of 522,837. Dane County is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Dane County offers residents a suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Dane County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Dane County and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Dane County are highly rated.
Population
522,837

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$242,700
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$983
National
$949
Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    42%
  • Own
    58%
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Dane County Rankings

Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

Crime & Safety

Crime & Safety
C+
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Assault
    185.3
    282.7
  • Murder
    3.1
    6.1
  • Rape
    28.5
    40.7
  • Robbery
    60
    135.5
Property Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Burglary
    289.3
    500.1
  • Theft
    1,774.1
    2,042.8
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
    134.1
    284
Home Security Options for Dane County
Learn More
  • 24/7 Whole home protection with no contract
  • CNET Editor’s choice winner 2018

Residents

Diversity
B+
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Age
  • <10 years
    12%
  • 10-17 years
    9%
  • 18-24 years
    14%
  • 25-34 years
    16%
  • 35-44 years
    13%
  • 45-54 years
    13%
  • 55-64 years
    12%
  • 65+ years
    12%
Education Levels
National
  • Master's degree or higher
    20%
    12%
  • Bachelor's degree
    30%
    19%
  • Some college or associate's degree
    28%
    29%
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    18%
    28%
  • Less than high school diploma
    4%
    13%

Working in Dane County

Jobs
A-
Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
Median Household Income
$67,631
National
$55,322
Search for Jobs in Dane County
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges

    Dane County Reviews

    12 reviews
    All Categories
    In Dane county or community would be described as diverse. However there is a lot of construction very frequently, traffic can get very long, and tiring. We also have a range of different neighborhoods, some seeming unsafe. However we have many neighborhoods perfect for a family, safe, near good schools, and clean! Dance county is a decent size with a good amount of people and action, but kind sometimes be crowded. Weather gets quite cold in the winter months.
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    With it being a 'college county', there are things they do and don't do well. It's a very diverse area filled with many college students, and the capitol of Madison is set up as such (with an abundance of bars, restaurants and clubs). Housing can get expensive quickly unless you know where to look if you are searching downtown Madison. It is mostly a safe place, drunkards are fairly common although harmless in most situations. It's all about UW-Madison, so prepare to be blasted in the face with Bucky the Badger.
    Madison is a beautiful city with lots of oppertunities and great people! There are options for every type of person in means of food, fitness, nightlife and religion. It is a very open minded city and county, welcoming all types of lifestyles.