Median Income
$61,620
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,300
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
312/100K
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$905
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.1%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Fond du Lac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population44,491
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density2,312/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,620
Per Capita$33,007
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$6,749M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,300
Rent$905
Ownership58.0%
Zillow$251,177
Housing Units20,237
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent312/100K
Property1,855/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault214/100K
Burglary137/100K
Health
Obesity45.1%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking16.2%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation768 ft (234 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations8
Libraries7
Is Fond du Lac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fond du Lac receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Fond du Lac offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fond du Lac is $61,620, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fond du Lac is $161,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fond du Lac is below the national average at 312 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,855 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fond du Lac experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Fond du Lac has a population of 44,491 with a density of 2,312 people per square mile, spread across 20.1 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.7% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fond du Lac vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.7%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.3%
38% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fond du Lac vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fond du Lac is $61,620, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,007 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,120, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,535 business establishments, including 233 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fond du Lac vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,620 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,007 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,120 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,525 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,535 |
| County GDP | $6,749M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 233 |
| Healthcare | 241 |
| Retail | 304 |
| Manufacturing | 136 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,030 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Fond du Lac is $161,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,177, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $905 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $946 for a one-bedroom to $1,176 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 20,237 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $6,030 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,177 |
| Median List Price | $239,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $239,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $157 |
| Homes Sold | 35 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.8% |
| Price Drops | 19.8% |
| Inventory | 86 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $905 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,104 |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $811 |
| 1 Bedroom | $946 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,176 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,522 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,665 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Housing Units | 20,237 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,030 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.74% |
In Fond du Lac, 45.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,087. The dentist ratio is 1:1,298. 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fond du Lac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.1% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,087 |
| Dentists | 1:1,298 |
| Mental Health | 1:568 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,377/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 241 |
Fond du Lac has a violent crime rate of 312 per 100,000 residents, 18% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 214.2 per 100,000, robbery at 32.6, rape at 65.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,855 per 100,000, 5% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,623, burglary at 137, vehicle theft at 95 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fond du Lac receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fond du Lac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 312.0/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 65.2/100K |
| Robbery | 32.6/100K |
| Assault | 214.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,855.5/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| Burglary | 137.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,622.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 95.5/100K |
| Arson | 7.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 224 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fond du Lac experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 93% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 768 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 768 ft (234 m) |
| Area | 20.1 sq mi (52.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,312/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7722°N, 88.4403°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fond du Lac County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wittman Regional (OSH) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 92.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 557 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
43 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
46 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
31 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
30 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
29 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
32 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Fond du Lac has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Fond du Lac. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fond du Lac
What is the population of Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac has a population of 44,491 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 2,312 people per square mile, spread across 20.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Fond du Lac expensive to live in?
Fond du Lac is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,620, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,300 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fond du Lac safe?
Fond du Lac is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 312 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,855 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fond du Lac receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Fond du Lac?
The job market in Fond du Lac is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,120. There are 2,535 business establishments in the area, including 233 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fond du Lac?
The median home value in Fond du Lac is $161,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,177. For renters, the median monthly rent is $905. Fair market rent is $946 for a 1-bedroom and $1,176 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,030.
How are the schools in Fond du Lac?
Schools in Fond du Lac score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Fond du Lac hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fond du Lac?
The obesity rate in Fond du Lac is 45.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,087.
What is transportation like in Fond du Lac?
The average commute in Fond du Lac is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fond du Lac?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fond du Lac is 85.5% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 91.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.