Wauwatosa, WI
Population 47,718 · Wisconsin
About Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 47,718 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,859 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wauwatosa features a median home value of $307,600, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Wauwatosa in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,373, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,976 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (13,082 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (8,595 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wauwatosa shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wauwatosa have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
61.5% of Wauwatosa 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 2.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wauwatosa Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Wauwatosa, WI
Compared to national averages, Wauwatosa has a median household income of $93,859 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $307,600, which is 26% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,373 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Wauwatosa's income is 29% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 49% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Wauwatosa, WI?
Wauwatosa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,859, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and a well-educated community where 61.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Wauwatosa has a population of 47,718 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare Wauwatosa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Wauwatosa
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheboygan | 49,812 | $62,953 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Fond du Lac | 44,491 | $61,620 | $161,300 | Compare |
| La Crosse | 51,791 | $53,803 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Brookfield | 41,592 | $124,026 | $419,300 | Compare |
| New Berlin | 40,384 | $97,414 | $343,500 | Compare |
| Wausau | 39,893 | $61,877 | $155,900 | Compare |
| Menomonee Falls | 38,963 | $98,460 | $341,600 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 37,361 | $69,016 | $247,800 | 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 Wauwatosa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wauwatosa
What is the population of Wauwatosa, WI?
The population of Wauwatosa, WI is 47,718 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 Wauwatosa?
The median household income in Wauwatosa, WI is $93,859 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wauwatosa?
The median home value in Wauwatosa, WI is $307,600, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wauwatosa?
The median monthly rent in Wauwatosa, WI is $1,373, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wauwatosa?
The unemployment rate in Wauwatosa, WI is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wauwatosa, WI a good place to live?
Wauwatosa offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 47,718 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wauwatosa, WI?
61.5% of residents in Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wauwatosa, WI: median home value is $307,600 (26% above national), median rent is $1,373/month, and median household income is $93,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wauwatosa?
The poverty rate in Wauwatosa, WI is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wauwatosa, WI?
Wauwatosa's population is 2.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 6.9% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.