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Dane County

#2 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. Housing
      B
    3. Nightlife
      A
    4. Good for Families
      A+
    5. Diversity
      B+
    6. Jobs
      A-
    7. Weather
      C
    8. Cost of Living
      C+
    9. Health & Fitness
      A
    10. Outdoor Activities
      A
    11. Commute
      A
    View Full Report Card
    Dane County is located in Wisconsin with a population of 529,843. Dane County is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. In Dane County, 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
    529,843

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $252,300
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $1,031
    National
    $949
    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

    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

    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
      12%
    • 55-64 years
      12%
    • 65+ years
      13%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      20%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      30%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      27%
      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
    $70,541
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools

      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.