Waukesha, WI
Population 8,479 · Wisconsin
About Waukesha, WI
Waukesha is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 8,479 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $126,286 per year, which is 68% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waukesha features a median home value of $375,700, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waukesha in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,167, 0% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,263 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (3,028 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (235 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waukesha shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waukesha have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.9% of Waukesha 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 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waukesha Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Waukesha, WI
Compared to national averages, Waukesha has a median household income of $126,286 (68% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $375,700, which is 53% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,167 is 0% above the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Waukesha's income is 74% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 83% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Waukesha, WI?
Waukesha offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $126,286, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 47.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $375,700. However, Waukesha’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waukesha has a population of 8,479 with a median age of 48.8 years. Compare Waukesha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Waukesha
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Geneva | 8,443 | $73,199 | $323,000 | Compare |
| Delavan | 8,531 | $71,121 | $194,500 | Compare |
| Kronenwetter | 8,420 | $107,268 | $240,700 | Compare |
| Mukwonago | 8,411 | $96,096 | $335,900 | Compare |
| Monona | 8,604 | $87,784 | $390,400 | Compare |
| Rhinelander | 8,248 | $53,561 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Somers | 8,245 | $78,068 | $287,800 | Compare |
| Pewaukee | 8,240 | $62,380 | $266,300 | 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 Waukesha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waukesha
What is the population of Waukesha, WI?
The population of Waukesha, WI is 8,479 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Waukesha?
The median household income in Waukesha, WI is $126,286 per year, which is 68% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waukesha?
The median home value in Waukesha, WI is $375,700, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waukesha?
The median monthly rent in Waukesha, WI is $1,167, which is 0% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waukesha?
The unemployment rate in Waukesha, WI is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waukesha, WI a good place to live?
Waukesha offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,479 and a median age of 48.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waukesha, WI?
47.9% of residents in Waukesha 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 Waukesha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waukesha, WI: median home value is $375,700 (53% above national), median rent is $1,167/month, and median household income is $126,286. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waukesha?
The poverty rate in Waukesha, WI is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waukesha, WI?
Waukesha's population is 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.