Real Estate Investing in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Fond du Lac, WI? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (80/100)
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
CLEAN
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Fond du Lac, WI?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$241,132
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,220
ZIP Codes
4
Market Trends — Fond du Lac, WI
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Fond du Lac, WI. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Fond du Lac, WI Updated 133 days ago
Fond du Lac is experiencing significant infrastructure upgrades and new business openings, alongside some notable employer closures.
Opportunities
- Wonder Play Cafe received the Downtown Fond du Lac New Business Award for 2024, recognizing its innovation and community contributions. — This adds a new recreational and social option for residents in the downtown area. Downtown FDL Awards
- A rapidly growing local manufacturer in the Aeronautical Industrial Park is poised to double its workforce by 2025. — This expansion creates new job opportunities and strengthens the local economy. Business In Focus Magazine
- The City of Fond du Lac is undertaking numerous road rehabilitation projects, including Main Street and Promen Drive Bridge, scheduled through 2025. — These projects improve transportation infrastructure, enhancing safety and drivability for all users. KFIZ News-Talk 1450 AM
- Downtown Fond du Lac achieved Gold Tier Main Street status in 2024, attracting $148 million in private investment since joining the program. — This revitalization effort creates a more vibrant commercial and social hub, expanding local choices. Wisconsin Economic Development
- Wausau Equipment Company Inc. plans to build a new $2.4 million plant in Fond du Lac, creating 34 new jobs. — This investment brings new manufacturing jobs and expands the local industrial base. Wisconsin Digital Archives
Concerns
- Charter Communications announced the closure of its regional support center in Fond du Lac, resulting in 122 permanent layoffs starting August 27, 2024. — This closure reduces local employment opportunities and impacts affected households. KFIZ News-Talk 1450 AM
- Mercury Marine announced layoffs of close to 300 employees at its Fond du Lac location in June 2024. — These layoffs reduce employment and create economic uncertainty for many families. KFIZ News-Talk 1450 AM
- Wells Vehicle Electronics is shutting down two Fond du Lac facilities, leading to approximately 100 layoffs starting June 2, 2026, and concluding by March 2027. — This closure eliminates manufacturing jobs and reduces local employment options. WBAY
- LK Interior Systems permanently closed its Fond du Lac manufacturing facility, laying off 77 employees by October 6, 2023. — This closure resulted in job losses and reduced manufacturing presence in the area. WFRV Local 5
Bottom line: Fond du Lac is experiencing significant public infrastructure investment and downtown revitalization, while also facing notable manufacturing and corporate support center job losses.
Local news & events in Fond du Lac, WI Updated 133 days ago
Fond du Lac faces ongoing challenges with crime and water quality, while the community continues to host various events and address local concerns.
Opportunities
- The Fond du Lac Police Department K9 team, K9 Jesus and Officer Ben Hardgrove, earned Top Overall K9 Team for 2026 at a regional seminar. — This achievement highlights effective training and contributes to community safety and pride. Fond du Lac Patch.am
- The 19th Annual Fondue Fest is scheduled for September 12, 2026, featuring live music, a Kids Zone, and local vendors. — This large annual festival provides diverse entertainment and economic opportunities for vendors and the community. Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership
- Various community events, including baby farm animal events and craft fairs, are regularly held in and around Fond du Lac. — These events offer diverse recreational and social opportunities for residents and visitors. Eventbrite, Fond du Lac
- Mercury Marine broke ground on a new design studio in Fond du Lac. — This voluntary capital investment can lead to new jobs and economic growth in the area. Ground News
Concerns
- A 51-year-old woman was arrested in January 2026 following an investigation into the December 2025 death of a 12-year-old child in Fond du Lac. — This incident highlights a severe safety concern within the community. CBS 58
- Fond du Lac's crime rate is higher than 97% of Wisconsin's cities and towns, with a 1 in 40 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime. — High crime rates restrict residents' sense of safety and freedom of movement. NeighborhoodScout
- A $30 million Fond du Lac School District referendum failed in May 2026, leading to the closure of two schools and the elimination of 30 employee positions. — This restricts educational opportunities and increases class sizes, potentially impacting student learning and teacher workload. Monroe Times
- The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa filed a lawsuit in July 2023 against 3M and other companies for PFAS contamination of their water and fish. — PFAS contamination poses health risks and restricts traditional cultural practices and food sources. MPR News
- Nitrate contamination from agricultural practices is a growing public health crisis in Wisconsin, including areas like Fond du Lac County, impacting drinking water and raising treatment costs. — This environmental issue imposes unconsented health risks and financial burdens on residents for water treatment. The New Lede, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Bottom line: Fond du Lac is experiencing a mix of community engagement and safety concerns, alongside environmental challenges related to water quality.
Schools in Fond du Lac, WI Updated 133 days ago
The Fond du Lac School District has seen significant academic improvements, achieving an "Exceeds Expectations" rating, but faces ongoing financial challenges with failed referendums leading to budget cuts and school closures.
Opportunities
- The Fond du Lac School District earned an "Exceeds Expectations" rating for the 2024-25 school year, its best since 2016-17. — This indicates improved academic performance and educational quality for students. FDL School District
- The district significantly improved its state ranking, moving from 375th to 175th out of 420 Wisconsin districts. — This demonstrates substantial progress in overall district performance and competitiveness. FDL School District
- Several elementary and middle schools, including Parkside, Evans, Lakeshore, and Sabish, achieved "Significantly Exceeds Expectations" ratings. — This highlights strong academic environments and successful learning outcomes in multiple schools. FDL School District
- A new Cardinal Stadium, a multi-purpose outdoor learning space, opened in August 2023 at Fond du Lac High School. — This provides enhanced athletic and recreational facilities for students and the community. C.D. Smith, FDL School District
- The district partnered with Marian University to expand college-credit opportunities for high school students as of August 2025. — This offers students more pathways to higher education and advanced academic opportunities. FDL School District
Concerns
- A $10 million per year operational referendum for four years failed in April 2025, leading to $7.5 million in budget cuts. — This resulted in the elimination of 70 staff positions and increased class sizes. FDL School District
- Another $7.5 million operational referendum failed in April 2026, leading to plans for closing two schools and cutting 30 more employees. — This will likely lead to further reductions in programs, increased class sizes, and potential school closures. WBAY, Wisconsin Watch
- Fond du Lac High School saw a slight decrease in its 2024-25 state report card rating, resulting in a "Meets Few Expectations" rank. — This indicates a decline in performance at the high school level, prompting targeted intervention strategies. FDL School District
- Student enrollment has declined by approximately 900 students since 2010. — Decreased enrollment can contribute to reduced state aid and budget shortfalls. FDL School District
Bottom line: Despite significant academic improvements and facility upgrades, the district faces ongoing financial instability due to failed referendums and declining enrollment, leading to staff and program cuts.
Civic & policy in Fond du Lac, WI Updated 133 days ago
Fond du Lac residents are seeing property revaluations, ongoing discussions about school funding and related tax impacts, and local zoning adjustments.
Opportunities
- The City of Fond du Lac completed a city-wide property revaluation for the 2025 assessment year to ensure fair property taxation. — This aims to distribute the existing tax burden more equitably among property owners based on current market values. City of Fond du Lac
- The City Plan Commission recommended approval to rezone a vacant lot at 467 Walker Street from C-2 (General Commercial) to R-1 (Single-Family Residential) on March 16, 2026. — This rezoning will allow for the construction of a new single-family residence by Habitat For Humanity, potentially increasing housing options. City Plan Commission
- The Fond du Lac School District's operational referendum for $7.5 million annually through 2029-30 was approved by voters on April 7, 2026. — This funding will allow the district to make strategic investments, improve safety, and limit future staff reductions. Fond du Lac School District
Concerns
- The approved Fond du Lac School District operational referendum will have a property tax impact of $1.51 per $1,000 of fair market value in the first year. — This will result in an increase in property taxes for residents to fund the school district's operations. Fond du Lac School District
- The Fond du Lac School District eliminated 70 staff positions and increased class sizes after a larger $10 million operational referendum failed in April 2025. — These cuts could lead to reduced educational resources and larger class sizes for students. Fond du Lac School District
- The Fond du Lac School District Board coalesced on a 2.5-minute public-comment limit for non-agenda remarks at its April 27, 2026, workshop. — This decision restricts the amount of time residents have to voice concerns or opinions on non-agenda items at school board meetings. Citizen Portal
Bottom line: Fond du Lac is navigating property tax adjustments and school funding challenges, with some zoning changes aimed at residential development.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Best ZIP codes in Fond du Lac, WI
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Landlord Ground Truth
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Avg Home Value
$241,132
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,220
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (WI)
★★★★★
☀️
Warm Market
— Fond du Lac, WI metro
0
Days to pending
6.8%
Listings with price cuts
0.0%
Sale-to-list ratio
📅 Data as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Fond du Lac
2 Colleges
4,851 Students
1,539 Off-Campus Renters
C+
2-Year Public · 3,532 students
📍 ~1,539 students rent off-campus
C
4-Year Private · 1,319 students
Investor Insight: With 1,539 students living off-campus, Fond du Lac has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.
Neighborhoods in Fond du Lac
ZIP Codes in Fond du Lac, WI
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Fond du Lac, WI
Is Fond du Lac, WI a good place for real estate investing?
Fond du Lac, WI posts an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $241K and average rents around $1,220/mo. That combination puts it in the healthy tier for investor interest.
What are rental rates like in Fond du Lac, WI?
Average rent in Fond du Lac, WI is approximately $1,220/mo per month. Against $241K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Fond du Lac, WI?
WI ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Fond du Lac generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
What is the smart move for investors in Fond du Lac, WI?
In Fond du Lac, WI the durable play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $241K prices and $1,220/mo rents suits that approach.
Is vacancy a concern in Fond du Lac, WI?
Rental vacancy in Fond du Lac, WI is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
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