Sun Prairie, WI
Population 36,455 · Wisconsin
About Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 36,455 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,521 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sun Prairie features a median home value of $339,800, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Sun Prairie in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,374, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,657 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (9,445 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (5,846 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sun Prairie shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sun Prairie have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.9% of Sun Prairie residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sun Prairie Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Sun Prairie, WI
Compared to national averages, Sun Prairie has a median household income of $90,521 (20% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $339,800, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,374 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Sun Prairie's income is 25% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 65% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Sun Prairie, WI?
Sun Prairie offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,521, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and a well-educated community where 50.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Sun Prairie has a population of 36,455 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Sun Prairie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Sun Prairie
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Creek | 36,473 | $93,120 | $305,100 | Compare |
| Beloit | 36,554 | $59,975 | $133,500 | Compare |
| Franklin | 35,751 | $108,342 | $343,400 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 37,361 | $69,016 | $247,800 | Compare |
| Manitowoc | 34,553 | $62,133 | $143,900 | Compare |
| Menomonee Falls | 38,963 | $98,460 | $341,600 | Compare |
| Wausau | 39,893 | $61,877 | $155,900 | Compare |
| New Berlin | 40,384 | $97,414 | $343,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sun Prairie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sun Prairie
What is the population of Sun Prairie, WI?
The population of Sun Prairie, WI is 36,455 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Sun Prairie?
The median household income in Sun Prairie, WI is $90,521 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sun Prairie?
The median home value in Sun Prairie, WI is $339,800, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sun Prairie?
The median monthly rent in Sun Prairie, WI is $1,374, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sun Prairie?
The unemployment rate in Sun Prairie, WI is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sun Prairie, WI a good place to live?
Sun Prairie offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 36,455 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sun Prairie, WI?
50.9% of residents in Sun Prairie aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Sun Prairie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sun Prairie, WI: median home value is $339,800 (39% above national), median rent is $1,374/month, and median household income is $90,521. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sun Prairie?
The poverty rate in Sun Prairie, WI is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sun Prairie, WI?
Sun Prairie's population is 3.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.