Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Milwaukee, WI
Considering a move to South Milwaukee, WI? With a population of about 21,000, South Milwaukee offers affordable living with a median home price of $196,000 and average rent around $980. The city features a reasonable cost of living, short 25-minute average commutes, and low violent crime rates. South Milwaukee’s schools have solid graduation rates, and residents enjoy four distinct seasons with plenty of sunny days. Explore housing, schools, and local amenities below to see if South Milwaukee is your next home.
Demographics - South Milwaukee, WI
Demographics - South Milwaukee, WI
South Milwaukee is home to approximately 20,795 residents, with a median age of 40.1, and a population density of 3,700 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a modest mix of other ethnicities, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diverse yet close-knit city offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
20,795
Density:
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.0%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Milwaukee, WI?
South Milwaukee offers an affordable lifestyle, with a cost of living index below the national average at 88.6. The median home value stands at $196,000, and average rent is around $980, making it accessible for both homeowners and renters. Residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and state tax rates, providing good value for everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$196,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$560
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.6
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
75.2
Utilities:
101.5
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
102.4
Miscellaneous:
95.3
Crime
Is South Milwaukee, WI a safe place to live?
South Milwaukee boasts a lower rate of violent crime, with just 198 incidents per 100,000 residents, and a property crime risk that remains manageable. The chance of experiencing violent crime is 1 in 505, contributing to a sense of safety for families and individuals alike. Overall, the city maintains a crime index that supports a secure living environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
198
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,425
Crime Index:
1,623
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 505
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in South Milwaukee, WI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with winter lows averaging 16°F and summer highs reaching 80°F. The area receives about 33.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days, making for a pleasant climate year-round. South Milwaukee’s seasonal variety is ideal for those who appreciate changing weather and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Typical households in South Milwaukee have a median income of $62,700, with a family income averaging $76,400 and a poverty rate under 10%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and unemployment is relatively low at 3.9%. The community enjoys short average commute times of about 25 minutes, balancing work and leisure conveniently.
Median Income:
$36,900
Household Income:
$62,700
Family Income:
$76,400
Per Capita Income:
$31,100
Income Male:
$45,200
Income Female:
$37,100
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in South Milwaukee, WI?
South Milwaukee offers a solid public education system, with schools like South Milwaukee High School serving over 1,000 students and favorable student-teacher ratios. Private school options and proximity to higher education institutions, such as Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, provide diverse learning opportunities. The community values education, with over 92% of residents holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
South Milwaukee High School
Street:
801 15th Ave
Phone:
414-766-5100
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
South Milwaukee Middle School
Street:
1001 15th Ave
Phone:
414-766-5800
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Divine Mercy School
Street:
695 College Ave
Phone:
414-764-4360
Students:
170

Colleges
Name:
Milwaukee Area Technical College
City:
Oak Creek
State:
WI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
20,000
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
City:
Milwaukee
State:
WI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
22,500
Healthcare
South Milwaukee residents have access to quality healthcare, including nearby hospitals like Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore and Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital. With 2 physicians per 1,000 people and over 93% health insurance coverage, the city offers solid medical resources. The healthcare index reflects accessible and reliable services for most needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore
Address:
5900 S Lake Dr, Cudahy, WI 53110
Phone:
(414) 489-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Francis
Address:
3237 S 16th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone:
(414) 647-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Milwaukee, WI?
The local housing market is attractive, with a median home price of $196,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $980. About 64% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a stable market. Home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year, showing continued growth.
Median Home Price:
$196,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registrations and licensing at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation office located on S Chase Ave in nearby Milwaukee. The DMV offers convenient access to a full range of motor vehicle services both in person and online. For assistance, the office can be reached by phone or through the Wisconsin DMV website.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2701 S Chase Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone:
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.