Racine, WI
Population 77,155 · Wisconsin
About Racine, WI
Racine is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 77,155 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,705 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 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 Racine features a median home value of $158,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Racine in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $983, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,042 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (18,783 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (12,455 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Racine shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Racine have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Racine residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 19.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Racine Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Racine, WI
Compared to national averages, Racine has a median household income of $55,705 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,100, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $983 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Racine's income is 23% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 23% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Racine, WI?
Racine offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $983/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,705) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Racine provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Racine has a population of 77,155 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Racine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Racine
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| West Allis | 59,588 | $69,685 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Kenosha | 99,147 | $68,532 | $210,500 | Compare |
| La Crosse | 51,791 | $53,803 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Sheboygan | 49,812 | $62,953 | $165,200 | 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 Racine With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Racine
What is the population of Racine, WI?
The population of Racine, WI is 77,155 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 Racine?
The median household income in Racine, WI is $55,705 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Racine?
The median home value in Racine, WI is $158,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Racine?
The median monthly rent in Racine, WI is $983, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Racine?
The unemployment rate in Racine, WI is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Racine, WI a good place to live?
Racine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 77,155 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Racine, WI?
21.5% of residents in Racine 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 Racine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Racine, WI: median home value is $158,100 (35% below national), median rent is $983/month, and median household income is $55,705. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Racine?
The poverty rate in Racine, WI is 18.0%, 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 Racine, WI?
Racine's population is 19.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 20.1% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.