Middleton, WI
Population 22,235 · Wisconsin
About Middleton, WI
Middleton is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 22,235 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,526 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Middleton features a median home value of $457,400, which is 87% above the national median of $244,900. This places Middleton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,357, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,781 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (5,034 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (5,388 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Middleton shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Middleton have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
62.1% of Middleton 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 4.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Middleton Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Middleton, WI
Compared to national averages, Middleton has a median household income of $85,526 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $457,400, which is 87% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,357 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Middleton's income is 18% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 122% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Middleton, WI?
Middleton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,526, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and a well-educated community where 62.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $457,400. However, Middleton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Middleton has a population of 22,235 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Middleton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Middleton
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | 22,873 | $68,333 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Pleasant Prairie | 21,515 | $103,903 | $336,300 | Compare |
| Germantown | 20,940 | $104,337 | $356,700 | Compare |
| South Milwaukee | 20,547 | $70,146 | $216,400 | Compare |
| Howard | 20,261 | $84,896 | $286,200 | Compare |
| Muskego | 25,156 | $116,361 | $390,900 | Compare |
| Mequon | 25,259 | $147,391 | $485,300 | Compare |
| Caledonia | 25,292 | $91,053 | $279,400 | 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 Middleton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Middleton
What is the population of Middleton, WI?
The population of Middleton, WI is 22,235 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 Middleton?
The median household income in Middleton, WI is $85,526 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Middleton?
The median home value in Middleton, WI is $457,400, which is 87% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Middleton?
The median monthly rent in Middleton, WI is $1,357, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Middleton?
The unemployment rate in Middleton, WI is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Middleton, WI a good place to live?
Middleton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 22,235 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Middleton, WI?
62.1% of residents in Middleton 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 Middleton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Middleton, WI: median home value is $457,400 (87% above national), median rent is $1,357/month, and median household income is $85,526. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Middleton?
The poverty rate in Middleton, WI is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Middleton, WI?
Middleton's population is 4.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.