AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Madison, WI — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Madison neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,350/mo
Median Rent
269,840
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Madison? What Renters Need to Know

Madison averages about $1,350 per month for a one-bedroom, higher than most Wisconsin cities due to strong university and state government demand. Campus area rents run $1,400–$1,500 while suburban Fitchburg offers more space around $1,200.

Quick Facts

Population 269,840
Median Rent $1,350/mo
Top Employer University of Wisconsin-Madison
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,350 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Madison median rent is $150 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Madison is University of Wisconsin-Madison, making the Isthmus area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Madison

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Isthmus

Score: 89/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 90
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 8/10
#2

Willy Street

Score: 87/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 88
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 8/10
#3

Shorewood Hills

Score: 91/100
Safety A
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 9/10

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#4

Regent

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 84
Avg Rent $1,250
Schools 8/10
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#5

Campus Area

Score: 83/100
Safety B
Walk Score 95
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 7/10
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#6

Fitchburg

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 8/10
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#7

Middleton

Score: 88/100
Safety A
Walk Score 40
Avg Rent $1,450
Schools 9/10
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#8

Atwood

Score: 84/100
Safety B
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Madison Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Madison Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Madison renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Madison.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Madison properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Madison

What is the average rent in Madison?

Madison averages about $1,350 per month for a one-bedroom, higher than most Wisconsin cities due to strong university and state government demand. Campus area rents run $1,400–$1,500 while suburban Fitchburg offers more space around $1,200.

Is Madison a good college town to stay in after graduation?

Madison is consistently ranked among the best cities for recent graduates, offering a vibrant social scene, strong job market in tech and healthcare, and the cultural amenities of a major university. Many UW-Madison graduates choose to stay long-term.

How walkable is Madison?

Madison's isthmus neighborhoods and campus area score 85–95 on Walk Score, among the highest in Wisconsin. The city has excellent bike infrastructure and a city bus system, though outer neighborhoods like Fitchburg and Middleton are more car-dependent.

What are the best neighborhoods for families in Madison?

Shorewood Hills and Middleton offer top-rated schools and safe, walkable streets, making them top picks for families. The Regent and Willy Street neighborhoods are also popular for their strong community character within the city proper.

What is the weather like in Madison?

Madison has a classic Wisconsin continental climate with cold, snowy winters averaging 45 inches of snowfall and warm summers with average highs in the low 80s. Spring and fall are pleasant but brief, and the city is well-prepared for winter conditions.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.