Best Cities for Young Professionals in Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks #12 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 63.5. Brookfield is its best city for young professionals at 66.3.
- Wisconsin, all states
- #12 of 50
- Population
- 41,273
Why Wisconsin Works for Young Professionals
Wisconsin ranks #12 out of 50 for young professionals, placing it in the upper tier for career-oriented relocators. The state's economy scores 55/100, with 3.2% unemployment and a median household income of $77,488. Modest population growth of 0.26% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. Wisconsin's cost-of-living index of 94.1 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Wisconsin's livability score of 36/100 is modest, which may matter to young professionals who value nightlife, dining, and cultural events. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 52/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Brookfield | A+ | 66.3 | 71.8 | 82 | 52 | 43 | 41,273 |
| 2Wauwatosa | A+ | 64.8 | 68.3 | 71 | 43 | 69 | 48,529 |
| 3Menomonee Falls | A+ | 64.7 | 68.6 | 70 | 63 | 40 | 39,539 |
| 4Madison | A | 64.6 | 65.7 | 63 | 54 | 70 | 278,001 |
| 5Waukesha | A | 60.5 | 64.5 | 63 | 40 | 64 | 71,233 |
| 6Appleton | A | 59.6 | 63.0 | 61 | 48 | 40 | 75,023 |
| 7New Berlin | A | 59.5 | 66.1 | 71 | 40 | 31 | 40,270 |
| 8West Allis | B+ | 59.2 | 62.0 | 50 | 48 | 72 | 59,612 |
| 9Janesville | B+ | 59.2 | 61.6 | 56 | 49 | 63 | 66,030 |
| 10Oshkosh | B+ | 59.2 | 60.4 | 54 | 50 | 65 | 66,729 |
| 11Eau Claire | B+ | 58.2 | 60.8 | 56 | 49 | 40 | 70,322 |
| 12Greenfield | B+ | 58.0 | 62.8 | 54 | 41 | 61 | 37,345 |
| 13Wausau | B+ | 57.9 | 61.8 | 55 | 44 | 45 | 39,996 |
| 14La Crosse | B | 55.8 | 57.2 | 50 | 40 | 72 | 51,356 |
| 15Sheboygan | B | 54.9 | 58.3 | 53 | 42 | 43 | 49,645 |
| 16Green Bay | B | 53.9 | 56.8 | 55 | 47 | 34 | 106,253 |
| 17Fond du Lac | B | 53.0 | 56.5 | 51 | 40 | 42 | 44,494 |
| 18Kenosha | B | 52.6 | 56.9 | 53 | 41 | 43 | 99,372 |
| 19Racine | C+ | 51.8 | 53.2 | 42 | 38 | 70 | 77,633 |
| 20Milwaukee | D | 48.6 | 45.0 | 41 | 37 | 68 | 566,973 |
City young professionals 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.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Wisconsin for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wisconsin a good state for young professionals?
Wisconsin ranks #12 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 63.5/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (82/100) and its weakest is Livability (36/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Wisconsin?
Brookfield ranks #1 in Wisconsin for young professionals with a score of 66.3/100, followed by Wauwatosa and Menomonee Falls.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Wisconsin?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.