Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Milwaukee, WI
Thinking of moving to Milwaukee, WI? Home to over 560,000 residents, Milwaukee offers an affordable cost of living with median home prices around $176,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commutes are short, averaging just 22.7 minutes, and the city boasts strong public transportation options. While Milwaukee is known for its diverse community, vibrant culture, and excellent colleges, crime rates are above national averages, so researching neighborhoods is key. You'll enjoy four true seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters, plus a variety of healthcare and education choices for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Milwaukee, WI
Demographics - Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is a diverse city of over 563,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.3 and a population density of about 6,100 per square mile. The community features a nearly even split between White and Black residents, alongside a significant Hispanic population, and about 17% of locals speak a language other than English at home. This cultural blend contributes to the city's vibrant character and unique neighborhoods.
Population:
563,305
Density:
6,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.3
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
38.8%
Black:
36.2%
Asian:
4.7%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $176,000 and average rents near $1,120 per month. Utility costs and groceries are slightly below the national index, while state income tax rates range from 3.54% to 7.65%. Residents benefit from lower housing expenses compared to many U.S. cities, making Milwaukee a budget-friendly choice for individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$176,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$112
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.7
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
79.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
93.6
Health Care:
99.1
Miscellaneous:
91.8
Crime
Is Milwaukee, WI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Milwaukee are higher than national averages, with about 1,498 violent crimes and 3,946 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 67 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 25 chance of property crime, so researching specific neighborhoods is advised. Community initiatives and local law enforcement are actively working to improve safety throughout the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,498
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,946
Crime Index:
5,444
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 67
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 25
Weather
What is the weather like in Milwaukee, WI year-round?
Milwaukee experiences all four seasons, including warm, pleasant summers with highs around 81°F and cold, snowy winters with lows near 16°F. The city receives about 34.8 inches of rainfall yearly and enjoys sunshine roughly 48% of the time. This climate supports a range of outdoor activities, from summer festivals to winter sports.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Milwaukee's neighborhoods are home to a diverse population, with a median household income of about $46,637 and a poverty rate of 23.6%. Most adults (84.5%) have completed high school, and just over a quarter hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average commutes are short at 22.7 minutes, and 8.5% of residents use public transportation for work.
Median Income:
$27,872
Household Income:
$46,637
Family Income:
$56,410
Per Capita Income:
$25,006
Income Male:
$32,400
Income Female:
$27,200
Poverty Rate:
23.6%
Non English Speakers:
17.0%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
8.5%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee boasts a variety of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools such as Rufus King High School and Golda Meir School, along with private options like Marquette University High School. The city is also home to major higher education institutions, including the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Marquette University, supporting a vibrant academic community. Families and students benefit from a broad selection of schools and programs across all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Rufus King High School
Street:
1801 W Olive St
Phone:
414-616-5200
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Golda Meir School
Street:
227 W Pleasant St
Phone:
414-212-3200
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Marquette University High School
Street:
3401 W Wisconsin Ave
Phone:
414-933-7220
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
City:
Milwaukee
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
Marquette University
City:
Milwaukee
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,300
Healthcare
Milwaukee provides quality healthcare access, with major hospitals like Froedtert Hospital and Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center offering comprehensive services and emergency care. There are about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 93% of people have health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare infrastructure is well-equipped for families, individuals, and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Froedtert Hospital
Address:
9200 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone:
(414) 805-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
Address:
2900 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone:
(414) 649-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Milwaukee, WI?
The Milwaukee housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $176,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,120. About 44% of residents own their homes, and recent home appreciation has been positive at 7.6% over the past year. The market features a moderate rental vacancy rate and limited new construction, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$176,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Milwaukee residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles. Services are managed statewide, with information and forms available online or through the Madison office. The DMV offers resources for drivers, vehicle owners, and those relocating to Wisconsin.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4802 Sheboygan Ave, Madison, WI 53705
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.