Whitewater, WI
Population 15,705 · Wisconsin
About Whitewater, WI
Whitewater is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 15,705 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,000 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.7 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 Whitewater features a median home value of $211,800, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Whitewater in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $985, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,924 total housing units, 30% are owner-occupied (1,568 units) and 70% are renter-occupied (3,604 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Whitewater shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 29.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Whitewater have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.7% of Whitewater 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 5.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Whitewater, WI
Compared to national averages, Whitewater has a median household income of $49,000 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,800, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $985 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Whitewater's income is 32% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 3% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Whitewater, WI?
Whitewater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $211,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $985/month, and a well-educated community where 35.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,000) that falls below the national average. However, Whitewater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whitewater has a population of 15,705 with a median age of 21.7 years. Compare Whitewater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Whitewater
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 15,761 | $74,252 | $261,300 | Compare |
| Weston | 15,784 | $75,565 | $215,900 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 16,255 | $80,750 | $267,700 | Compare |
| River Falls | 16,349 | $78,078 | $299,800 | Compare |
| Hudson | 15,004 | $97,036 | $355,000 | Compare |
| Waunakee | 14,927 | $128,750 | $490,300 | Compare |
| Menomonie | 16,548 | $54,587 | $203,800 | Compare |
| Beaver Dam | 16,629 | $68,757 | $189,800 | 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 Whitewater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitewater
What is the population of Whitewater, WI?
The population of Whitewater, WI is 15,705 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 Whitewater?
The median household income in Whitewater, WI is $49,000 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whitewater?
The median home value in Whitewater, WI is $211,800, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Whitewater?
The median monthly rent in Whitewater, WI is $985, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whitewater?
The unemployment rate in Whitewater, WI is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Whitewater, WI a good place to live?
Whitewater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,705 and a median age of 21.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Whitewater, WI?
35.7% of residents in Whitewater 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 Whitewater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whitewater, WI: median home value is $211,800 (14% below national), median rent is $985/month, and median household income is $49,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Whitewater?
The poverty rate in Whitewater, WI is 29.2%, 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 Whitewater, WI?
Whitewater's population is 5.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.