South Milwaukee, WI
Population 20,547 · Wisconsin
About South Milwaukee, WI
South Milwaukee is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 20,547 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,146 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Milwaukee features a median home value of $216,400, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Milwaukee in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,014, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,150 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (5,797 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (2,882 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Milwaukee shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Milwaukee have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.7% of South 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 8.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Milwaukee Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in South Milwaukee, WI
Compared to national averages, South Milwaukee has a median household income of $70,146 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $216,400, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,014 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, South Milwaukee's income is 3% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 5% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in South Milwaukee, WI?
South Milwaukee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $216,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,014/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,146) that falls below the national average. However, South Milwaukee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Milwaukee has a population of 20,547 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare South Milwaukee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near South Milwaukee
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard | 20,261 | $84,896 | $286,200 | Compare |
| Germantown | 20,940 | $104,337 | $356,700 | Compare |
| Pleasant Prairie | 21,515 | $103,903 | $336,300 | Compare |
| Fox Crossing | 18,960 | $74,423 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Onalaska | 18,909 | $84,898 | $279,100 | Compare |
| Middleton | 22,235 | $85,526 | $457,400 | Compare |
| Wisconsin Rapids | 18,756 | $54,116 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Marshfield | 18,718 | $59,294 | $169,900 | 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 South Milwaukee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Milwaukee
What is the population of South Milwaukee, WI?
The population of South Milwaukee, WI is 20,547 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 South Milwaukee?
The median household income in South Milwaukee, WI is $70,146 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Milwaukee?
The median home value in South Milwaukee, WI is $216,400, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Milwaukee?
The median monthly rent in South Milwaukee, WI is $1,014, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Milwaukee?
The unemployment rate in South Milwaukee, WI is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is South Milwaukee, WI a good place to live?
South Milwaukee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 20,547 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Milwaukee, WI?
27.7% of residents in South 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 South Milwaukee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Milwaukee, WI: median home value is $216,400 (12% below national), median rent is $1,014/month, and median household income is $70,146. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Milwaukee?
The poverty rate in South Milwaukee, WI is 12.5%, 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 South Milwaukee, WI?
South Milwaukee's population is 8.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.