Real Estate Investing in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

10 ZIP codes • Population: 85,333 • Kenosha County

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Should you buy in Kenosha, WI? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers

GREAT FIT

Grade A (86/100)

Strong fundamentals — affordable, appreciating, and stable. A confident pick for primary residence.

📈 For Investors

MIXED

3.0 / 5 (52/100)

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 Kenosha, WI?

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Investability

Citywide average

Appreciation

6.8% 5yr CAGR

Landlord Climate

Regulatory friendliness

🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Avg Investability ★★★★★

Avg Home Value $86,663

Avg Monthly Rent $1,703

ZIP Codes 10

Market Trends — Kenosha, WI

Home Value History

Rent History

Local Pulse Report

AI-researched developments and news for Kenosha, WI. Updated on demand as visitors ask.

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Growth & development in Kenosha, WI Updated 142 days ago

Kenosha is experiencing significant economic growth with major investments in manufacturing, technology, and downtown redevelopment.

Kenosha is experiencing significant economic growth with major investments in manufacturing, technology, and downtown redevelopment.

Bottom line: Kenosha's economy is expanding rapidly with substantial corporate investments and urban renewal projects, though some public policy proposals and development types face local scrutiny.

Sources & references

Local news & events in Kenosha, WI Updated 142 days ago

Kenosha has seen a mix of positive economic developments and community initiatives, alongside ongoing concerns about crime, public health challenges, and environmental issues.

✓ Opportunities

Kenosha County experienced another record year for its golf courses in 2025, with 122,341 rounds played at Brighton Dale Links and Petrifying Springs Golf Course. — This indicates a thriving recreational amenity and contributes to the quality of life for residents. Kenosha County
Kenosha County's opioid crisis efforts are showing encouraging statistics, with 34 toxicity deaths in 2024, down from 58 in both 2023 and 2022. — This suggests progress in addressing a significant public health concern, potentially saving lives and reducing related societal costs. Kenosha County
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN) project, planned for the former Chrysler plant site, could create 3,000 to 5,000 jobs and attract over $500 million in private investment. — This transformative project aims to boost the local economy, create new employment opportunities, and revitalize a significant area of the city. Kenosha Area Business Alliance
Kenosha County Public Health is offering free well-testing services to residents in areas affected by recent flooding. — This provides essential support to residents, helping to ensure access to safe drinking water after environmental events. Kenosha County
Overall crime in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is currently down by 65% compared to the previous month, with both property and violent crime decreasing. — A significant reduction in crime enhances public safety and improves the overall living environment for residents. SpotCrime

⚠ Concerns

A Kenosha man was accused of attempting an armed robbery at knifepoint outside a woman's apartment. — This incident highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime and personal safety in the community. Kenosha County Eye
A Kenosha man was charged after a Thanksgiving night fire killed three children last year. — This tragic event underscores serious safety concerns and the devastating impact of neglect within the community. FOX6 News Milwaukee
Wisconsin Republicans are pushing a bill to end vehicle emissions testing, blaming Chicago pollution for Southeast Wisconsin's air quality issues. — This legislative effort could potentially reduce local air quality protections, shifting responsibility for pollution and potentially impacting public health. Kenosha County Eye
Kenosha County has 215 open-status sites with contaminated groundwater and/or soil, including leaking underground storage tanks and environmental repair sites. — This indicates persistent environmental contamination that could pose long-term health risks and require extensive cleanup efforts. Kenosha County
A fire at Kenosha Beer Gardens caused significant damage to the popular establishment, ruled accidental due to improperly discarded smoking materials. — This incident resulted in property loss and disruption to a local business, impacting economic activity and community amenities. FOX6 News Milwaukee

Bottom line: Kenosha is experiencing economic growth and crime reduction, but continues to grapple with serious public safety incidents and environmental contamination challenges.

Sources & references

Schools in Kenosha, WI Updated 142 days ago

Kenosha Unified School District faces declining enrollment and budget deficits, leading to school consolidations and a failed operational referendum, despite some academic growth and facility upgrades.

✓ Opportunities

Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) showed academic growth on its 2024-25 State Report Card, maintaining a "Meets Expectations" status with an overall rating of 63.7 points. — This indicates improved educational outcomes and quality for students within the district. KUSD News
Eighteen KUSD schools saw an average overall increase of 3.6 points or more on their 2024-25 State Report Cards, with Somers Elementary showing a significant improvement of +9.6 points. — Specific schools are demonstrating enhanced academic performance, offering better learning environments. KUSD News
LakeView Technology Academy is relocating to a new 48,602 square foot facility at the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, expanding STEM education opportunities for all KUSD high school students. — This new facility and location will provide advanced learning resources and career preparation in high-demand fields. KABA
KUSD undertook a $16.8 million Qualified Energy Savings Project to renovate nine elementary schools, improving mechanical systems, lighting, and building envelopes. — These upgrades enhance the learning environment, improve comfort, and reduce operational costs, potentially freeing up funds for other programs. Performance Services
Athletic facilities at Bradford, Indian Trail, and Tremper High Schools received upgrades, including new stadiums, synthetic turf fields, running tracks, and tennis courts. — Improved athletic facilities provide better opportunities for student participation in sports and extracurricular activities. Camosy Construction

⚠ Concerns

KUSD's operational referendum for $23 million per year through 2029-30 was not approved by voters in February 2025. — The failed referendum means the district will not receive crucial funding to address its structural deficit, implement programs, or enhance safety. WGTD, KUSD
The district faces a projected $19 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year, partly due to the failed referendum and declining state aid. — This deficit necessitates budget cuts, potentially impacting programs, staffing, and services for students. KUSD, WGTD
KUSD's total enrollment for the 2025-26 school year decreased by 723 students to 17,799, continuing a six-year trend of decline. — Declining enrollment erodes the district's revenue limit authority, contributing to financial challenges and potentially leading to further school consolidations. KUSD
In May 2025, the Kenosha Unified School Board approved reducing staffing by over $4 million to balance the 2025-26 budget. — Staff reductions can lead to larger class sizes and fewer available resources, potentially diminishing the quality of education. Kenosha News
KUSD closed six schools (Edward Bain, Jefferson, Lincoln, McKinley, Stocker, and Vernon) and consolidated others as part of a "rightsizing project" due to declining enrollment. — School closures can disrupt communities, increase travel times for students, and reduce neighborhood school options. Kenosha.com, CBS 58

Bottom line: Kenosha Unified School District is navigating significant financial challenges and declining enrollment through consolidations and budget cuts, despite some academic improvements and facility investments.

Sources & references

Civic & policy in Kenosha, WI Updated 142 days ago

Kenosha is seeing shifts in local governance, tax policies, and ongoing discussions about development and environmental regulations.

✓ Opportunities

The Kenosha County Board of Supervisors advised a 2025 general purpose property tax levy increase between 1.99% and 2.95%, which could result in an inflation-adjusted tax decrease for homeowners. — This could lead to lower property tax burdens for residents, increasing disposable income. Kenosha County
The state of Wisconsin repealed its personal property tax starting January 1, 2024. — This reduces the tax burden on businesses and individuals who previously paid personal property tax. YonDatax
Kenosha County launched a streamlined online system for paying property taxes in December 2024, excluding the City of Kenosha. — This simplifies the process for property owners to manage and pay their taxes, saving time and effort. Kenosha County
Wisconsin will offer provisional licenses to physicians who completed residency outside the U.S. starting in 2025 to address physician shortages. — This initiative could increase access to healthcare services for Kenosha residents by expanding the pool of practicing physicians. FOX6 News Milwaukee

⚠ Concerns

The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education voted in November 2024 to place a $115 million operational referendum on the February 18, 2025 ballot. — If approved, this referendum would increase property taxes by an estimated $1.25 per year per $1,000 of equalized property value. FOX6 Milwaukee
Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE in January 2026, allowing deputized local officers to interrogate individuals about immigration status within jails. — This program has been criticized for eroding trust within immigrant communities and potentially diverting local resources. ACLU of Wisconsin
Kenosha County Executive declared a county-wide State of Emergency on April 20, 2026, due to severe weather and record flooding. — This declaration indicates significant infrastructure damage and ongoing public safety hazards for residents. iKenosha
Wisconsin implemented an excise tax of 3 cents per kilowatt-hour on electricity used by electric vehicles, effective January 1, 2025. — This new tax increases the cost of owning and operating electric vehicles for residents. FOX6 News Milwaukee

Bottom line: Kenosha faces a mix of potential property tax relief and new taxes, alongside significant decisions on school funding, immigration enforcement, and environmental regulations.

Sources & references

AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Kenosha, WI. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Avg Home Value

$86,663

Avg Monthly Rent

$1,703

1% Rule

✓ Passes

Landlord Friendly (WI)

★★★★★

🎓 Colleges & Universities in Kenosha

6 Colleges 17,696 Students 5,231 Off-Campus Renters

C+

Gateway Technical College

2-Year Public · 10,134 students

📍 ~4,702 students rent off-campus

C+

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

4-Year Public · 4,008 students

📍 ~529 students rent off-campus

C+

Carthage College

4-Year Private · 2,771 students

The Salon Professional Academy-Kenosha

Vocational For-Profit · 95 students

Herzing University-Kenosha

4-Year Private · 545 students

University of Wisconsin-Parkside Flex

4-Year Public · 143 students

Investor Insight: With 5,231 students living off-campus, Kenosha has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.