Milwaukee, WI
Population 569,756 · Wisconsin
About Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is a major city located in Wisconsin with a population of 569,756 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,888 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Milwaukee features a median home value of $172,000, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Milwaukee in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,033, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 257,973 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (95,890 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (135,194 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 Milwaukee shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Milwaukee have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.6% of Milwaukee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 13.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 10.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Milwaukee Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Milwaukee, WI
Compared to national averages, Milwaukee has a median household income of $51,888 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $172,000, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,033 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Milwaukee's income is 29% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 16% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $172,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,033/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,888) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Milwaukee provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Milwaukee has a population of 569,756 with a median age of 32.2 years. Compare Milwaukee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Milwaukee
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | 275,568 | $76,983 | $346,900 | Compare |
| Green Bay | 106,585 | $62,546 | $191,500 | Compare |
| Kenosha | 99,147 | $68,532 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Racine | 77,155 | $55,705 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Appleton | 74,873 | $77,450 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Eau Claire | 69,274 | $65,369 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Oshkosh | 66,247 | $61,929 | $168,400 | Compare |
| Janesville | 65,813 | $71,664 | $209,700 | 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 Milwaukee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Milwaukee
What is the population of Milwaukee, WI?
The population of Milwaukee, WI is 569,756 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Milwaukee?
The median household income in Milwaukee, WI is $51,888 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Milwaukee?
The median home value in Milwaukee, WI is $172,000, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Milwaukee?
The median monthly rent in Milwaukee, WI is $1,033, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Milwaukee?
The unemployment rate in Milwaukee, WI is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Milwaukee, WI a good place to live?
Milwaukee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 569,756 and a median age of 32.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Milwaukee, WI?
26.6% of residents in Milwaukee aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Milwaukee, WI: median home value is $172,000 (30% below national), median rent is $1,033/month, and median household income is $51,888. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Milwaukee?
The poverty rate in Milwaukee, WI is 23.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee's population is 13.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 38.1% two or more races. 10.8% of residents are foreign-born.