Milwaukee city, Wisconsin Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Milwaukee city, Wisconsin has a total population of 569,756, the 1st largest city in Wisconsin, with a median household income of $51,888, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Milwaukee city is the 1st largest city in Wisconsin with a population of 569,756.
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Wisconsin (diversity index: 70/100).
Milwaukee city Quick Facts
How Milwaukee city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 36 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Milwaukee city Rankings in Wisconsin
Explore Wisconsin Rankings
Other Cities in Waukesha County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha city | 70,779 | $81,651 | 10.3% | $286,600 |
| Brookfield city | 41,592 | $124,026 | 3.5% | $419,300 |
| Menomonee Falls village | 38,963 | $98,460 | 5.0% | $341,600 |
| Muskego city | 25,156 | $116,361 | 3.4% | $390,900 |
| South Milwaukee city | 20,547 | $70,146 | 12.5% | $216,400 |
| Oconomowoc city | 18,385 | $105,833 | 7.2% | $367,700 |
| Pewaukee city | 16,002 | $112,093 | 2.9% | $434,700 |
| Sussex village | 11,795 | $112,031 | 5.6% | $384,900 |
| Hartland village | 9,716 | $87,297 | 7.5% | $358,000 |
| Waukesha village | 8,479 | $126,286 | 2.4% | $375,700 |
Cities Similar to Milwaukee city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison city | 275,568 | $76,983 | $346,900 | 59.2% | 16.2% |
| Green Bay city | 106,585 | $62,546 | $191,500 | 25.6% | 16.5% |
| Kenosha city | 99,147 | $68,532 | $210,500 | 28.9% | 13.8% |
| Racine city | 77,155 | $55,705 | $158,100 | 21.5% | 18.0% |
| Eau Claire city | 69,274 | $65,369 | $228,000 | 35.0% | 14.2% |
Population Overview
Milwaukee city is a major urban center located in Wisconsin, within Waukesha County. The total population is 569,756. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 807 cities and towns in Wisconsin.
Age Demographics
The median age in Milwaukee city is 32.2 years. This is 20% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Milwaukee city is $51,888. This is 31% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%. This is 120% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.9%. This is 81% higher than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $172,000. Housing costs are 30% lower than the state median of $247,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 41.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 39% lower than the state average of 67.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Milwaukee city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 32.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (32.3%) is well below the state average of 79.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (38.1% vs 6.0%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (20.7% vs 7.8%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (4.8% vs 2.9%).
Education
26.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 19% lower than the state rate of 32.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Milwaukee city, Wisconsin is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Wisconsin state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 807 Census-designated places in Wisconsin. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Milwaukee city, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee city, Wisconsin has a population of 569,756 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Milwaukee city, WI?
The median household income in Milwaukee city is $51,888, which is 34% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Milwaukee city, WI?
The poverty rate in Milwaukee city is 23.3%. This means approximately 129,368 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Milwaukee city, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee city's population is 32.3% White, 38.1% Black, 20.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Milwaukee city, WI?
The median home value in Milwaukee city is $172,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Milwaukee city, Wisconsin?
26.6% of adults (25+) in Milwaukee city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.