Section Image

Kaukauna

Kaukauna

Located in Outagamie County

$319,380 Average Value
$200 Average Price per Sq Ft
21 Homes For Sale

Generations of residents remain in Kaukauna

In the true spirit of the Fox Cities, Kaukauna began as an 18th-century trading hub along the Fox River. Its name, a Menominee word translating to “gathering place of the pickerel,” is a tribute to the walleye, a common catch for Wisconsin anglers. After a century of growth, the river has remained a driving force for the city. The construction of canals and locks paved the way for local mills, one of which remains the largest employer in the city. “My dad worked at the paper mill, and my grandfather worked there before him,” says Gavin Schmitt, a lifetime resident and local historian with the Kaukauna Public Library. “It’s still a quiet, safe town. And now we’ve reached that stage where we’re going through revitalization. It’s exciting to be a part of that.”

Kaukauna's downtown area has seen new developement and local businesses moving in.
Kaukauna's downtown area has seen new developement and local businesses moving in.
Patty & Pablo's restaurant in downtown Kaukauna serves great traditional Mexican dishes.
Patty & Pablo's restaurant in downtown Kaukauna serves great traditional Mexican dishes.
1/2

Kayaking on the historic Fox River Lock System

At the heart of Kaukauna, the Fox River is a hub for outdoor recreation. Those looking to spend time on the water will encounter five of the river’s 16 hand-operated lock systems, each listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “People go through with boats or kayaks, and the water rises up or down, almost like an elevator,” Schmitt says. On land, the Kaukauna Locks Trail follows the perimeter of the lock system, while surrounding riverfront parks provide launches and fishing piers. To the south, the 1000 Islands State Conservancy Area offers trails and a nature center overlooking the water. “The islands are really the gem of the city as far as preserves go,” Schmitt continues. He notes that the 350-acre refuge is popular for winter recreation like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Heesakker Park, near Kaukauna, is part of the areas Lock system which raises and lowers boaters on the Fox River.
Heesakker Park, near Kaukauna, is part of the areas Lock system which raises and lowers boaters on the Fox River.
During the summer, Kaukauna's lock 5 fishing pier is a great place to cast a line.
During the summer, Kaukauna's lock 5 fishing pier is a great place to cast a line.
1/2

A blend of new and historic waterfront homes

Many of Kaukauna’s riverfront homes feature private docks and scenic views, while others offer immediate access to waterfront parks and trails. Ranch-style homes, cottages, bungalows and other variations of traditional architecture surround the river and downtown area. Those dating back to the late-19th century might neighbor midcentury builds, creating a balance of styles and ages throughout the area. Homebuyers will find brand-new construction in planned subdivisions on the city’s outskirts. Altogether, the median home price in Kaukauna is around $330,000—below the national median but higher than nearby Appleton.

Along the Fox River, Kaukauna residents take advantage of the river front for relaxing and other activities.
Along the Fox River, Kaukauna residents take advantage of the river front for relaxing and other activities.
Mid century ranch style homes are found throughout Kaukauna.
Mid century ranch style homes are found throughout Kaukauna.
1/2

Residents head east into Appleton for amenities

Kaukauna residents often head 10 miles west into Appleton for amenities. Chain retailers and grocers like Target, Walmart Supercenter and Pick ‘n Save line Route 441, while Interstate 41 boasts the Fox River Mall. But closer to home, Kaukauna has various shops and restaurants just a few blocks from the water. Schmitt explains that the city has evolved when it comes to small businesses. “There’s a running joke in Wisconsin that when you’re traveling, you’ll always see an ‘Exit now to see historic downtown’ sign,” he says. “But they’re really coming back around. It’s boutique shops, craft breweries, and all kinds of specialty places you wouldn’t get at a mall or find on Amazon. They give people a reason to stop by.”

Many larger shopping centers are just west of the Kaukauna area near Appleton.
Many larger shopping centers are just west of the Kaukauna area near Appleton.
Come to Kaukauna Coffee and Tea with your best friend or meet the group for a great time.
Come to Kaukauna Coffee and Tea with your best friend or meet the group for a great time.
1/2

Hydro Park is a hub for summertime festivities

In the warmer months, residents flock to the banks of the Fox River for annual markets and events. “There’s nothing huge here that draws in people from a hundred miles away, but we hold our own,” Schmitt says. He cites the Kaukauna Farmer’s Market as an example, which intentionally overlaps with the Live! from Hydro Park Concert Series. Residents often peruse produce tents and coffee stands before heading to the riverfront for live music at sundown. By June, the Electric City River Jam attracts guests from around the Fox Cities for music performances, carnival rides and vendors.

Hydro Park in Kaukauna's downtown hosts music events in the summer.
Hydro Park in Kaukauna's downtown hosts music events in the summer.
The Fox River plays a large role in the local residents lives and the all the wildlife that calls it home.
The Fox River plays a large role in the local residents lives and the all the wildlife that calls it home.
1/2

Kaukauna Area Schools are expanding

At summer’s end, students return to class in the Kaukauna Area School District, which earns a B-plus on Niche. In 2024, the city approved a nearly $200 million capital referendum for districtwide improvements, including a brand-new middle school and kindergarten classrooms. Kaukauna is also home to a handful of faith-based private schools enrolling kindergarten through twelfth grade. St. Ignatius Catholic School, in particular, serves the entire Fox Valley region with just over 250 students.

St. Ignatius Catholic School in Kaukauna has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
St. Ignatius Catholic School in Kaukauna has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
Kaukauna High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Kaukauna High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
1/2

The Thilmany papermill has endured for over a century

The Ahlstrom-Munksjo Thilmany Mill has been the largest employer in Kaukauna for over a century. “The paper industry isn’t what it used to be, where you were one of thousands of people going to the same job,” Schmitt says. “We have a whole industrial park now that’s full of massive warehouses, so there are a lot of companies with hundreds of employees.” Fox Cities commuters typically rely on I-41 to reach the nearby hubs of Appleton, Neenah and Oshkosh. The nearest emergency room, Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus, is located in Appleton, just south of the Fox River. The city is also home to Appleton International Airport. Alternatively, residents can head 22 miles north on the interstate to reach Green Bay.

Ahlstrom-Munksjo Thilmany Mill is Kaukauna's largest employer and has a long history in the area.
Ahlstrom-Munksjo Thilmany Mill is Kaukauna's largest employer and has a long history in the area.
Kaukauna's industrial park is on the north end of the city, allowing short commutes for residents.
Kaukauna's industrial park is on the north end of the city, allowing short commutes for residents.
1/2

Crime rates are below average in Kaukauna

According to FBI crime data and information sourced from the Kaukauna Police Department, the city’s violent crime rates are lower than the national average, while property crime rates are on par with both national rates and those of nearby Appleton.

Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Richard Ebbers
Photography Contributed By
Richard Ebbers
Jacob Branchaud
Video By
Jacob Branchaud

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Keith Sippel, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
3,232
Number of Homes for Sale
21
Median Year Built
2021
Months of Supply
0.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,771
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,467
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,297
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,039
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,632

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 10AM - 12PM

    N3987 Wettering Way, Kaukauna, WI 54130

    $439,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,601 Sq Ft
    • N3987 Wettering Way

    New 3 bedroom ranch home built by Schmidt Bros Custom Homes, Inc. Granite countertops throughout. Kitchen features a large island, a walk in pantry and black stainless appliances. The primary suite includes a walk in closet, a wall closet and a double vanity. Great room, dining and kitchen have a cathedral ceiling. A gas fireplace is in the great room. The mudroom includes a drop center and a

    Lisa Schmidt Keller Williams Fox Cities

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 10AM - 12PM

    N3903 Wettering Way, Kaukauna, WI 54130

    $399,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,556 Sq Ft
    • N3903 Wettering Way

    Brand new 3 BR, 2BA home built by Schmidt Bros. Custom Homes, Inc. Cathedral ceiling in kitchen, dining and great room. Painted doors and trim. Carpet in bedrooms, the remaining flooring is luxury vinyl plank. Includes range, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, concrete driveway, patio, sidewalk, active radon system.

    Lisa Schmidt Keller Williams Fox Cities

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 10AM - 12PM

    N3983 Wettering Way, Kaukauna, WI 54130

    $454,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,609 Sq Ft
    • N3983 Wettering Way

    New 3 bedroom ranch built by Schmidt Bros. Custom Homes, Inc. The kitchen features granite countertops, island, black stainless appliances including a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. The open concept layout includes a cathedral ceiling in the great room and kitchen. There's a corner fireplace in the great room. An active dampness and radon control system and a rough in for a future

    Lisa Schmidt Keller Williams Fox Cities

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Kaukauna Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
17,191
Median Age
39
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$73,479
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$89,346

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.5%
College Graduates
26%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.2%
% Population in Labor Force
74.7%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
68''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Kaukauna