Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waukesha, WI
Thinking of moving to Waukesha, WI? This friendly city of 71,158 offers affordable living with a median home price around $315,000 and average rents near $1,250. Residents enjoy short average commute times of 22 minutes, a low violent crime rate of just 105 per 100,000, and access to well-rated schools and healthcare. With nearly 50% sunny days, four distinct seasons, and a high educational attainment rate, Waukesha provides a welcoming Midwest lifestyle for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Waukesha, WI
Demographics - Waukesha, WI
Waukesha is home to just over 71,000 residents and features a predominantly White population with a median age of 39. The city's moderate population density and nearly equal gender ratio create a balanced community, while almost 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
71,158
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
10.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waukesha, WI?
Living in Waukesha is relatively affordable, with the cost of living index slightly below the national average and a median home value of $315,000. Residents benefit from reasonable housing costs and utility bills, making it an attractive option for families and professionals seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$545
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.3
Grocery:
96.4
Housing:
92.7
Utilities:
102.1
Transportation:
97.6
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Waukesha, WI a safe place to live?
Waukesha boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 105 incidents per 100,000 people, contributing to its reputation as a safe place to live. Property crime is also lower than many comparably sized cities, giving residents added peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
105
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,114
Crime Index:
1,219
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 952
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Waukesha, WI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Waukesha, with warm summers reaching up to 81°F and cold winters averaging lows around 13°F. The city receives around 34 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, perfect for those who appreciate a variety of weather.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The typical Waukesha household earns about $75,000, and the community enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times average just over 22 minutes, contributing to a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$75,000
Family Income:
$93,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,900
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$41,500
Poverty Rate:
7.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
38.1%
Education
How are the schools in Waukesha, WI?
Waukesha offers a mix of well-rated public and private schools, as well as higher education opportunities at Carroll University and nearby Waukesha County Technical College. The city’s schools feature favorable student-teacher ratios and provide strong educational support for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Waukesha North High School
Street:
2222 Michigan Ave
Phone:
262-970-3500
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Hillcrest Elementary School
Street:
1200 N Grandview Blvd
Phone:
262-970-1805
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Catholic Memorial High School
Street:
601 E College Ave
Phone:
262-542-7101
Students:
650

Colleges
Name:
Carroll University
City:
Waukesha
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
Waukesha County Technical College
City:
Pewaukee
State:
WI
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Waukesha residents have access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like ProHealth Waukesha Memorial and Aurora Medical Center. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people and over 95% health insurance coverage, the city supports a healthy community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Address:
725 American Ave, Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone:
(262) 928-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Aurora Medical Center – Summit
Address:
36500 Aurora Dr, Summit, WI 53066
Phone:
(262) 434-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waukesha, WI?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $315,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,250. Homeownership is common, and property values have appreciated by nearly 5% in the past year, reflecting a healthy investment environment.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Waukesha residents are served by the Wisconsin DMV located in nearby Pewaukee, offering a full range of motor vehicle services. The DMV provides convenient access for license renewals, vehicle registration, and other essential services.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2019 Golf Rd, Pewaukee, WI 53072
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.