Best Cities for Retirees in Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks #13 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 72.5. Brookfield is its best city for retirees at 74.9.
- Wisconsin, all states
- #13 of 50
- Population
- 41,273
Why Wisconsin Works for Retirees
Wisconsin ranks #13 nationally for retirees, making it a strong destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (64/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 8.31% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Wisconsin's health score of 61/100 is middling — life expectancy of 78.1 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.31% of income. The 7.65% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.59% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
A typical home value of $339,699 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 82/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Brookfield | A+ | 74.9 | 71.8 | 72 | 91 | 58 | 41,273 |
| 2Wauwatosa | A+ | 71.5 | 68.3 | 69 | 74 | 68 | 48,529 |
| 3New Berlin | A | 71.3 | 66.1 | 66 | 77 | 67 | 40,270 |
| 4Menomonee Falls | A+ | 70.8 | 68.6 | 65 | 74 | 68 | 39,539 |
| 5Waukesha | A | 67.0 | 64.5 | 59 | 59 | 72 | 71,233 |
| 6Greenfield | B+ | 66.8 | 62.8 | 60 | 55 | 74 | 37,345 |
| 7Appleton | A | 66.4 | 63.0 | 56 | 60 | 80 | 75,023 |
| 8West Allis | B+ | 65.1 | 62.0 | 54 | 48 | 79 | 59,612 |
| 9Madison | A | 63.8 | 65.7 | 65 | 44 | 67 | 278,001 |
| 10Janesville | B+ | 62.1 | 61.6 | 45 | 56 | 79 | 66,030 |
| 11Wausau | B+ | 61.7 | 61.8 | 54 | 41 | 83 | 39,996 |
| 12Sheboygan | B | 60.5 | 58.3 | 49 | 45 | 83 | 49,645 |
| 13Eau Claire | B+ | 60.4 | 60.8 | 64 | 43 | 79 | 70,322 |
| 14Fond du Lac | B | 58.6 | 56.5 | 42 | 44 | 84 | 44,494 |
| 15Kenosha | B | 58.4 | 56.9 | 43 | 46 | 73 | 99,372 |
| 16Oshkosh | B+ | 58.0 | 60.4 | 45 | 35 | 83 | 66,729 |
| 17Green Bay | B | 56.6 | 56.8 | 41 | 42 | 82 | 106,253 |
| 18La Crosse | B | 55.0 | 57.2 | 47 | 25 | 81 | 51,356 |
| 19Racine | C+ | 54.9 | 53.2 | 33 | 32 | 81 | 77,633 |
| 20Milwaukee | D | 47.8 | 45.0 | 33 | 22 | 79 | 566,973 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Wisconsin for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wisconsin a good state for retirees?
Wisconsin ranks #13 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 72.5/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (82/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (24/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Wisconsin?
Brookfield ranks #1 in Wisconsin for retirees with a score of 74.9/100, followed by Wauwatosa and New Berlin.
What factors are most important for retirees in Wisconsin?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.