Green Bay: The Data Profile (2026)

Green Bay presents a compelling case for cost-conscious professionals and families operating in a post-remote economy. With a population of 105,734, it functions as a micro-metropolitan hub rather than a major urban center. The primary economic friction point is the -10.2% deficit in Median Income ($66,950) compared to the national average of $74,580. However, this is offset by a Housing Cost Index of 88.0, which is 12.0% below the national baseline.

The city’s Human Capital Index reveals a distinct demographic profile. The percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher is 26.7%, significantly trailing the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor market less saturated with white-collar competition, potentially offering easier entry for skilled trades and mid-level management roles. The statistical target demographic is the "Remote-First Optimizer": individuals earning above the local median who leverage geographic arbitrage to maximize disposable income while maintaining access to mid-tier urban amenities.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost-of-living (COL) index in Green Bay is favorable across the "Big Three" expenditures: Housing, Transportation, and Groceries. While the Median Income is lower, the aggregate reduction in living expenses creates a flatter barrier to entry for new residents.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $66,950 (approx. $4,260 monthly take-home) retains approximately $2,140 in monthly disposable income after covering the $2,120 essential budget. This represents a savings rate of 34.0%, which is significantly higher than the national average. However, the electricity cost is a notable outlier at 17.18 cents/kWh, exceeding the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh by 7.4%, a factor that compounds for larger homes during harsh winters.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The Green Bay housing market is defined by high accessibility. Unlike coastal markets where rent-to-income ratios exceed 40%, Green Bay remains anchored in affordability. The median home price sits at $245,000, a $105,000 discount compared to the US average.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the -30.0% disparity in home prices, buying is statistically advantageous for those planning a stay of 5+ years. The monthly payment on a $245,000 home (assuming 20% down and 6.5% mortgage rate) is roughly $1,240, which is comparable to the $1,450 market rent for a 3-bedroom unit. However, renters have the flexibility to avoid the region's higher property taxes and maintenance costs associated with sub-zero temperatures.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote landscape of 2026 has insulated Green Bay from the worst of the "Hollowed Out Downtown" phenomenon seen in larger cities. The local economy is anchored by Paper & Packaging (historically Kraft Heinz/Lamers), Healthcare (Bellin Health, Aurora BayCare), and Manufacturing.

RTO & Commute:
With a population density of 2,100/sq mi, traffic congestion is non-existent. The average commute time is 18 minutes, a 40% reduction compared to the national average. This lack of friction is a critical Quality of Life metric for hybrid workers.

Unemployment Analysis:
The Unemployment Rate is 3.1%, well below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a "tight" labor market where job security is high, though wage growth may be capped by the slower industrial economic base.

Quality of Life Audit

Green Bay offers a mixed bag of health outcomes. While the environment is clean and employment is stable, lifestyle-related health metrics are concerning.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 345 per 100k (US Avg: 380). The city is 9.2% safer than the average US city.
• Property Crime: 1,890 per 100k (US Avg: 2,000). This is 5.5% better than the national baseline.
• Air Quality: The AQI of 37 is excellent. The PM2.5 level of 6.5 µg/m³ is significantly lower than the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m³, driven by low population density and wind off Lake Michigan.

Schools & Weather:
The educational attainment gap (26.7% vs 33.1%) correlates with K-12 performance, which generally ranks average to slightly above average in state comparisons. The weather remains the primary lifestyle hurdle: the current temperature of 30.0°F and "Light Snow Likely" conditions reflect a climate where winter dominates roughly 5 months of the year.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Home prices are $105,000 below the national median.
• Labor Market: Unemployment is low at 3.1%, indicating high job security.
• Commute: Average drive times are under 20 minutes.
• Environment: AQI of 37 and low crime rates (345 violent/100k).

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $66,950, a 10.2% deficit.
• Health Profile: Obesity rate is 43.7%, suggesting a culture of poor dietary habits.
• Climate: Harsh winters with current temps at 30°F and active snowfall.
• Education: Educational attainment is 6.4% below the national average.

Recommendation:
Green Bay is a Buy for families and remote workers prioritizing asset accumulation over career velocity. It is a Rent for single professionals who may need to relocate for higher wages later. The city offers a "soft landing" for those priced out of major metros, provided they can adapt to the industrial culture and harsh winters.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Green Bay?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 allows for a comfortable lifestyle including housing, utilities, and discretionary spending. For a family of four, $90,000 is the threshold to maintain a middle-class standard of living without financial stress.

2. How does the value proposition compare to larger cities?
While the median income is $66,950 (vs $74,580 nationally), the housing cost is 30.0% lower. This effectively offsets the wage gap, resulting in a higher percentage of take-home pay available for savings or investment compared to cities like Chicago or Minneapolis.

3. Is Green Bay safe compared to national averages?
Yes. Violent crime is 9.2% lower than the US average (345 vs 380 per 100k), and property crime is 5.5% lower (1,890 vs 2,000 per 100k). It is statistically a safer environment than the average American city.

4. When is the best time to move or buy a home?
The optimal time to move is between May and September. The current weather (30°F and snow) highlights the difficulty of winter relocation. The housing market typically sees increased inventory in late spring, offering better selection for buyers.