Milwaukee, WI
Population 569,756 · Wisconsin
About Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is a major city in Wisconsin with a population of 569,756 residents. The median household income is $51,888 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Milwaukee is 32.2 years.
Housing in Milwaukee has a median home value of $172,000 and median monthly rent of $1,033. Of the 257,973 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 95,890 owner-occupied and 135,194 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 5.9% and the poverty rate is 23.3%. 26.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.4 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Milwaukee
What is the population of Milwaukee, WI?
The population of Milwaukee, WI is 569,756 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Milwaukee?
The median household income in Milwaukee, WI is $51,888 per year.
What is the median home value in Milwaukee?
The median home value in Milwaukee, WI is $172,000.
What is the average rent in Milwaukee?
The median monthly rent in Milwaukee, WI is $1,033.
What is the unemployment rate in Milwaukee?
The unemployment rate in Milwaukee, WI is 5.9%.