Wisconsin / Milwaukee County

Moving to Milwaukee, WI

Thinking of making a move to Milwaukee, WI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Milwaukee, WI

Considering a move to Milwaukee, WI? This welcoming community of 563,305 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $176,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Milwaukee's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee has a population of 563,305 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 39% White, 36% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Milwaukee is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.7. Median home values are around $176,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Milwaukee is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,498 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 25. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Wisconsin.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 35 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
59°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
34.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $46,637 and a low poverty rate of 23.6%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 27% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Rufus King High School and Golda Meir School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Marquette University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Froedtert Hospital and Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 93.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $176,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 7.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.9%. Milwaukee offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Milwaukee handle vehicle services through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Madison. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Wisconsin
Department
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
4802 Sheboygan Ave, Madison, WI 53705
Phone
1-608-264-7447

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.

FAQs About Moving to Milwaukee, WI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Milwaukee, review the core fields on this page: population 563,305, median home value $176,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 22.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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