Hey there! If you've been dreaming of a new start and Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, has popped onto your radar, you're looking in the right place. Beyond our gorgeous Lake Michigan views and friendly communities, we've got a surprisingly vibrant and welcoming economic scene. So, if you're curious about finding work or a great new home here, let's chat about what makes our local market tick!
First off, let's talk about getting down to business – your career! You'll be thrilled to know that Kewaunee County boasts a seriously healthy job market. As of April 2025, our unemployment rate was a remarkably low 2.6%! 1 That's fantastic news, right? It pretty much means if you're looking for work here, chances are you'll find it. This strong performance mirrors Wisconsin's overall awesome labor market in 2024, where unemployment stayed at or below 3.0% all year long.
So, where are all these opportunities? Our economy is built on some really solid foundations:
Manufacturing: This is huge for us – it's actually the largest industry by employment in Kewaunee County! We've got companies involved in everything from agricultural equipment to automotive parts and consumer goods. Big names like Multi-Color Corporation (you might know them as WS Packaging), N.E.W. Plastics Corp., Olson Fabrication, CTI Hospitality, and D&S Machine Service provide stable jobs.
Agriculture: We're a proud dairy county, and that means agriculture isn't just about farming. There are various roles, including those in processing and support services (like Agropur!).
Growing Sectors: Beyond our core, we're seeing steady growth in Healthcare & Social Assistance, offering vital services to our community. Retail Trade is also a consistent employer, serving both our locals and the folks visiting. And if you're in Construction, good news – that industry has seen job growth and is definitely in high demand for workers. 8 Plus, with all our beautiful natural attractions, Tourism offers plenty of roles in hospitality and recreation.
Now, here's an interesting point: because our unemployment rate is so low, many employers across the county are actually finding it a bit tricky to fill all their open positions. This "labor quantity challenge" means businesses are actively seeking skilled workers. So, if you're looking for a fresh start, this could be a real advantage for you!
Once you've got your eye on a job, the next step is finding that perfect spot to call home! As of May 2025, Kewaunee County's housing market is quite dynamic, offering a good mix of options depending on what you're looking for.
Let's break down the current trends:
The county-wide median list price in May 2025 was around $344,450.
But here's a telling detail: the median sale price in April 2025 jumped to about $325,000! 14 This is a pretty significant increase (a whopping 30.0% from last year!), which tells us that homes here are often selling for a bit more than their initial asking price – clearly, there's strong buyer demand.
On average, you're looking at about $186 per square foot.
What does all this mean for you as a buyer? It's a competitive market! A good chunk of homes (58.3% in May 2025) are selling above their list price, and they're moving fast. Homes are staying on the market for a median of just 50 days in April 2025, which is a huge drop from 102 days a year prior. Plus, we've seen a 100% increase month-over-month in homes sold or pending in May 2025, showing an active market right now!
Home values can vary a bit depending on which Kewaunee County community you're exploring:
Luxemburg tends to be on the higher end, with a median listing price around $395,900.
Algoma's median listing price is approximately $330,000.
Rio Creek is close behind at about $332,500.
Kewaunee (City) generally offers some of the most affordable options, with a median listing price around $297,400.
Casco's median home value was around $325,304 in May 2025.
It's also interesting to see how prices shift based on the number of bedrooms (comparing May 2025 to May 2024, county-wide):
1 Bedroom: Decreased to $163,000 (down 27.4%)
2 Bedrooms: Decreased to $209,900 (down 38.2%)
3 Bedrooms: Decreased to $394,900 (down 7.6%)
4 Bedrooms: Held steady at $395,000
5 Bedrooms: Increased to $709,900 (up 1.4%)
So, there you have it! Kewaunee County isn't just a picturesque place to visit; it's a vibrant community with a thriving economy and a competitive, yet accessible, housing market. Whether you're looking for a new career path, a charming home, or simply a wonderful place to live, Kewaunee County truly offers a fantastic opportunity to plant your roots and flourish. We can't wait to welcome you!