Let the numbers do the talking.
Fond du Lac, WI vs Franklin, WI
Fond du Lac, WI vs Franklin, WI: What the data shows
Fond du Lac, WI is in Fond du Lac, WI while Franklin, WI is in Franklin, WI — both in the same state. On home prices, Fond du Lac, WI is the more affordable option at $154,800 median — $178,300 less than Franklin, WI's $333,100. WYLT rates Fond du Lac, WI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Franklin, WI as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Franklin, WI has the stronger safety profile of the two. Fond du Lac, WI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Franklin, WI has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Fond du Lac, WI has Low flood risk and Franklin, WI has Low flood risk.
Fond du Lac, WI is the more walkable neighborhood. Fond du Lac, WI scores 10/100 (car-dependent) versus Franklin, WI's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Franklin, WI has the higher school rating — Fond du Lac, WI rates 5.3/10 and Franklin, WI rates 7/10.
| Category | Fond du Lac, WI | Franklin, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $155K ✓ Lower price | $333K |
| Median Rent | $848 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $60K | $103K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 10/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 1/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 1/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | N/A | 35 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | B ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.3/10 | 7/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | First‑time homebuyers looking for affordabilityFamilies wanting decent schoolsPeople who prefer a car‑centric lifestyle | Families looking for good schoolsRemote workers who can commuteFirst‑time homebuyers with moderate budgets |
Bottom line
For those prioritizing affordability and a small city lifestyle, Fond du Lac may be the better choice despite its limitations, but for families or individuals seeking better schools and a more suburban experience, Franklin is a more well-rounded option. Fond du Lac's lower home price comes with trade-offs in crime and nightlife, while Franklin's higher cost brings advantages in education and stability. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on what you value most in a living situation.
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