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 561,385 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $220,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% 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 561,385 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 38% White, 39% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 21% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
561,385
Density
6,300 per sq mi
Median Age
31.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
21.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
38.2%
Black
39.2%
Asian
4.5%
Others
18.1%

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 92.4. Median home values are around $220,000 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
$220,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 3.54%| High: 7.65%
Cost Of Living Index
92.4
Grocery
94.8
Housing
79.6
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
99.1
Health Care
96.4
Miscellaneous
95.0

Crime

Is Milwaukee, WI a safe place to live?

Milwaukee is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,420 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 24. 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
1,420
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,150
Crime Index
5,570
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 70
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 24

Weather

What is the weather like in Milwaukee, WI year-round?

Milwaukee experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
35.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $47,500 and a low poverty rate of 21.0%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 12% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,500
Household Income
$47,500
Family Income
$62,000
Per Capita Income
$28,800
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$34,000
Poverty Rate
21.0%
Non English Speakers
18.9%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Public Transport Usage
11.8%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.0%
Bachelors or More
24.8%

Education

How are the schools in Milwaukee, WI?

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

Public Schools

Name
Milwaukee High School of the Arts
Street
2300 W Highland Ave
Phone
414-934-5000
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9
Name
Rufus King International High School
Street
1801 W Olive St
Phone
414-267-0700
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
16.1

Private Schools

Name
St. Joan Antida High School
Street
1341 N Cass St
Phone
414-272-8100
Students
220
Name
Messmer High School
Street
6435 N 25th St
Phone
414-873-5980
Students
300

Colleges

Name
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
City
Milwaukee
State
WI
Distance
0 miles
Students
24,000
Name
Marquette University
City
Milwaukee
State
WI
Distance
2 miles
Students
11,500
Name
Milwaukee Area Technical College
City
Milwaukee
State
WI
Distance
0 miles
Students
30,000

Healthcare

Milwaukee residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Froedtert Hospital, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, and Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Froedtert Hospital
Address
900 N 92nd St, 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
Name
Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee
Address
2323 N Lake Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone
(414) 585-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
91.4%
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 $220,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Milwaukee offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$220,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
47.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Milwaukee handle vehicle services through the Wisconsin 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 Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Phone
(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 561,385, median home value $220,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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